Jubilation in 'free' Kabul

Northern Alliance troops are massed on the outskirts of Kabul

		By John Simpson BBC world affairs editor

BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson and a BBC team were greeted by jubilant scenes as they entered Kabul ahead of Northern Alliance troops. Travelling by foot, bicycle and taxi, Simpson described the scenes he and his BBC colleagues found:

"People are going absolutely crazy.

"It is quite difficult sometimes to get through the crowds. They want to touch us, push us.

You could sense the air of relief and gratitude and freedom

"They are chanting 'Death to Pakistan, death to the Taleban' and I'm afraid I think they probably mean it.

"I would not want to be a Taleban soldier on the streets at this moment.

"I've heard some shooting. Some of it was joyful shooting in the air, some of it was to kill people or execute them perhaps.

"I haven't heard any incoming fire which might have come from the Taleban themselves.

"As we were driving in past some sort of checkpoint, some people threw flowers at us and cheered."

But arriving at the Intercontinental Hotel in the centre of the city, journalists spotted a group of seven Arab Taleban - trying to escape.

No mercy

John Simpson said the gunmen tried to make their way across the parkland but were followed by Northern Alliance troops.

"Frankly there can only be one result.

"We have already seen Arab bodies in the streets and their lives must be shortened.

"They are not going to surrender and they are not going to be shown mercy if they are caught.

"It shows there are going to be groups like this and they are going to be hunted down "

But he said the atmosphere in the city was one of celebration and joy.

Gratitude

"There is no sense that a battle or bloodbath is imminent.

"You could sense the air of relief and gratitude and freedom that people have, gathering in large numbers around people with radios listening to news of their liberation."

Asked about the Northern Alliance's possible next move, he said he expected a sensible approach.

"I think they will want to keep the American and British support. I don't think they will do anything foolhardy.

"Their political leaders are sensible men and their military leaders have shown they can control even the most excitable and triumphant of troops.

"I think they will be quite careful."