Taleban leader's son killed

The Kandahar raids have prompted a refugee exodus

An Afghan doctor has confirmed to the BBC that the son of the Taleban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has been killed in the US-led air strikes.

The 10-year-old boy died from his injuries after the first night of bombing raids on the Taleban stronghold of Kandahar, according to Doctor Abdul Barri.

A rare image of Mullah Omar

Dr Barri said he treated the boy for several hours, as the Taleban leader begged him to save his son.

But the boy's wounds, abdominal injuries and a broken femur, were too serious and he died the same night.

Mullah Omar's uncle was hit in the same raid, but was said to be still alive and receiving treatment in the hospital at Kandahar.

Dr Barri said the hospital had just five days of supplies left, and that people were leaving the city to try to get treatment at the border.

He spoke to the BBC as he crossed the border at the Chaman checkpoint near the Pakistani city of Quetta.

US military officials say they have targeted places where the Taleban leader lives because they hold command and control faciliities.

Mullah Omar has been quoted by a Saudi magazine as saying that his own death would not bring an end to the war with America because others would take his place.

He has called on all Muslims to back the Taleban's fight against the United States.