TV grab shows key Taliban commander Mullah Akhtar Usmani answering a question during an interview with the GEO television channel.Usmani said Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar are both alive and in good health after more than three years on the run.(AFP Photo)

    BEIJING, June 16 -- A key Taliban commander says Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar are both alive and in good health.

    Mullah Akhtar Usmani said in an interview broadcast Wednesday by Pakistan's private GEO television that they are absolutely fine, and there is no problem, but he didn't tell where they are.

    The commander held a Kalashnikov and partly covered his face with a black turban during the interview. The station did not say where or when it was carried out.

    He said that Omar is still their commander and issuing directions.

    Bin Laden and a number of other wanted Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders are thought to be hiding in the rugged tribal areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

    His health has been the subject of speculation, amid reports that he was suffering from kidney disease. However in a video aired late last year before the US presidential election he appeared to be in good condition.

    Bin Laden has a 25-million-dollar US bounty on his head while Washington has offered 10 million for the capture of Omar for his role in sheltering Al-Qaeda before and after September 11. Enditem

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)