Afghans 'foil Kandahar attack'

Officials in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar say they have arrested a former Taleban commander who they believe was planning an attack on a American house in Kandahar city.

The officials named the man as Mullah Nasim, a significant figure in the former Taleban intelligence service.

Reports say he was arrested by local forces near the former home of the Taleban leader, Mullah Omar.

The officials said he was on a motorbike with three missiles and other equipment, and it is thought he was planning to attack the residence which now houses American troops.

A passenger on the vehicle escaped.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service