Taliban ready to take on U.S.

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 7. Representatives of the Taliban embassy here and other consulate offices in Pakistan, tonight confirmed the strikes by the U.S. and its allies, but appeared to be determined to take on the super power. ``It is jehad'', an unidentified representative in the Islamabad embassy of the Taliban remarked.

It is believed that American and British planes flew sorties over the cities of Kabul and Kandahar targeting the military and administrative headquarters of the Taliban. The first blitzkrieg lasted just a few minutes. There was no indication as to how successful the sorties were and if there were any civilian casualties.

Reports said that in Kabul power was shut off as the U.S. and the U.K. launched their strikes, and restored after the raids ended.

The CNN reported explosions in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, where the headquarters of the ruling Taliban militia is located. The Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar lives there.

The Associated Press in a report said that the targets of U.S. attacks could include the southwestern part of Kabul, which includes the Darulaman Palace, an ancient royal residence, and the Balahisar Fort, an old Moghul-style installation.

A curfew was in effect in the city, making it impossible to independently determine further details.

There was no immediate reaction from the Pakistan Government to the developments. The Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, is scheduled to hold a news conference early tomorrow morning and is expected to defend the decision of the U.S. and its allies.

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