Taleban say 1,500 killed in raids

Afghanistan's ruling Taleban say that about 1,500 people have been killed as a result of the American bombing campaign on the country.

The figure was given by the Taleban's Ambassador to Pakistan, Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, during a news conference in Islamabad.

Mullah Zaeef did not give any detailed breakdown of the casualties.

Verification of previous casualty figures given by the Taleban has been almost impossible as journalists have had so little access to the country.

The United States has consistently accused the Taleban of exaggerating the number of deaths and injuries.