The security commander of Jalalabad and one of the most powerful warlords in the east Afghanistan region has promised "to eliminate" the Arabs from Tora Bora as "soon as possible".
"All the leaders of Nangarhar (province) have taken the firm decision to eliminate the Arabs. If we didn't make this decision ourselves, then the Americans would do it," Mr Hazart Ali said last night. He said the presence of the al-Qaeda members was a problem for all the people of Afghanistan. "Until we defeat them, we will never be able to relax," he added.
A delegation of tribal elders travelled yesterday to Tora Bora, the heavily-fortified mountainous village where al-Qaeda members - and possibly even Osama bin Laden himself - are believed to be hiding, to issue them with an ultimatum to leave or face attack.
The delegation is due to report back to senior commanders in Jalalabad today. Mr Ali said a decision would be taken then by the Eastern Shura, or council.
Washington is also zeroing in on bin Laden, with the US Vice-President, Mr Dick Cheney, saying he was probably hiding in the Tora Bora cave complex.
"He's got what he believes to be fairly secure facilities, caves underground. It's an area he's familiar with," Mr Cheney said.
Bin Laden is said to have built a fortress deep beneath the mountains, equipped with water, electricity and ventilation and guarded by hundreds or thousands of fighters ready to die for their leader.
It has been bombed repeatedly by US jets since the military campaign began on October 7th.
It was reported yesterday that US warships were patrolling off Somalia's coast in case bin Laden or leaders of his al-Qaeda network tried to escape there.
The US government has promised military supplies, logistical support and money to mujahideen fighters in preparation for an assault on Tora Bora in the White Mountains. It is expected that in the next few days the Americans will send winter uniforms and food supplies to 2,000 fighters.
Mr Ali said last night, while it had been decided to eliminate the al-Qaeda members believed to be hiding in Tora Bora, it had not been agreed exactly how to do this. "We will do it with bombing, by surrounding them and with ground attack. We will clear them out by whatever means are necessary."
He said he had enough experience in attacking and making war to do this, but "only Allah knows how long it will take". He said people in Tora Bora were complaining about the Arabs and the situation was causing them great misery.
The security commander warned it would be a difficult but not impossible task.
"I know because I have fought there. It might be difficult, but it's not impossible. But if the American soldiers try to attack alone, it will be impossible for them - only with us will it be possible.
"If the Americans go by themselves, they will have difficulties because the Arabs are waiting for them," he said. "The Americans and the mujahideen need to work together to achieve victory.
"The people of Afghanistan are used to fighting in the mountains, but for those who are unaccustomed it is very difficult."
A village elder from the mountains travelled to Jalalabad to deliver a message to the United States and to regional Afghan authorities to stop hunting for bin Laden in his front yard.
He said the 4,000 residents of Gudara had endured US bombardments, which injured 17 people, killed 60 animals and polluted the village's lone water supply.