Taliban frontline hit by new strikes

US jets resumed bombing raids over the frontline north of Kabul for a fifth day today while some opposition commanders called on the US to send ground troops and liquidate the Taliban.

North of the capital, Kabul, one Northern Alliance commander, named Eztullah, said: "If America wants to finish off terrorism and the Taliban they must bring in ground troops. This should be quick."

Northern Alliance forces claim to be bringing thousands of troops toward the front line, ready for any order to march on the capital.

Meanwhile the Taliban claimed US strikes on their southern stronghold of Kandahar hit a bus near the city gates, killing 10 civilians. The claim could not be verified.

Overnight attacks elsewhere struck targets around the strategic northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif - an opposition target - and Herat in the West.

The Taliban also reported overnight attacks in the provinces of Balkh and Samagan, where the opposition has been fighting the Taliban.