Laden Trapped, Likely To Be Seized Soon, Says Tabloid

He is reportedly being guarded by 50 of his most loyal supporters. US military chiefs are confident that Laden — who is believed to be holed up with Taliban leader Mullah Omar — cannot escape.

The first tip-off came from a senior Republican close to both the White House and the Pentagon, who summoned the Sunday Express to a secret breakfast meeting. The source said: ‘‘They have found Laden. They now know he is within a manageable area which can be watched and controlled.’’

Meanwhile, the Pakistani armed forces today launched a major operation in the country’s tribal dominated South Wajiristan area bordering Afghanistan to crack down on the remnants of Al Qaeda and Taliban hiding there. Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said military operations were launched after the end of the deadline given to the locals to surrender foreign militants hiding there.

Rashid said: ‘‘This action is part of Pakistan’s commitment with the international coalition.’’ He added that the operations would be conducted by Pakistan forces alone.