“The US State Department says three US citizens arrested in Afghanistan are counter-terrorism mercenaries operating outside Washington’s command.

Spokesman Richard Boucher said the US government ‘does not employ or sponsor’ the three, who were arrested by Afghan authorities on Monday.

Afghan officials accuse the men of running a private prison in Kabul.

Correspondents say the US bounty for al-Qaeda fugitives has drawn many foreign vigilantes to Afghanistan.

The US government has promised $25m for anyone who facilitates the arrest of al-Qaeda kingpin Osama Bin Laden.” (BBC)