In a series of statements on Tuesday night, this nation's Taliban rulers, hosts to the terrorism suspect Osama bin Laden, condemned the attacks on America and said that their notorious guest was not involved.

The Taliban's supreme leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, issued a denial through a spokesman in Kandahar, Abdul Hai Mutmain: ''Mullah Omar condemns this act. Mullah Omar says Osama is not responsible. We have brought peace to this country and we want peace in all countries.''

Hours after the statement, it appeared that an attack might be under way. About 2:20 a.m., explosions lighted the horizon and the quiet predawn was shattered by a series of booms that lasted about 15 minutes. In Kabul's northern reaches, near the airport, a spray of fire reached skyward. It appeared to be a munitions dump that had been attacked.

Explosions and sabotage are not infrequent in the city. This assault most likely was the work of the United Front, the Taliban's last remaining opposition. One of the front lines between the adversaries is only 35 miles from the city.