KANDAHAR, June 17 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – Many cassette tapes have been circulating in South Afghanistan with a voice message from ousted Taliban chief Mullah Omar saying he is ‘safe’, news agencies reported.

Afghani residents in Kandahar said Sunday, June 16, that the tapes which were left outside official offices, hotels and houses Friday, June 16, include a message from Mullah Omar and other religious leaders in Afghanistan.

“The tapes include a 15-minute speech for Mullah Omar. But it is unclear where or when this speech was recorded,” said a resident.

In his message, Mullah Omar said: “The American strikes will never be able to get us, even if it continues for 10 years.”

“The heads of the Afghani factions had transformed the Afghani cities into small states before the Taliban ruled the area. I challenge all countries of the world -- including the United States -- to bring peace to Afghanistan as the Taliban did, even for a single day,” he added.

Other religious leaders on the tape said that Mullah Omar was devoted to the Afghani people and a fighter for peace.

The Taliban movement was overthrown towards the end of 2001 during the American war which also included ground attacks by the NATO. The U.S.-led strikes aimed at ousting the Taliban movement which the U.S. accused of sheltering Osama Bin Laden, the man believed to be behind the September 11 attacks in New York and Washington.