FROM THE ARCHIVE

U.S. anti-terror campaign continues

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2001

Reuters Graphic: Strikes on Afghanistan continue.

The United States continued military strikes on Taliban-controlled territory in Afghanistan for a second day Monday, bombing cities throughout the night and into the morning.

The capital city of Kabul and Kandahar, where the Taliban military headquarters is located, remained targets of the air strikes, which lasted into the daylight hours today. Areas in the north, along the border with three former Soviet republics, were hit last night.

The attacks, coordinated from warships, bombers and carriers stationed in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, are part of what Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld foresees as a long battle. At a press briefing yesterday, he said the United States and Great Britain have made progress but that the strikes are unlikely to "rock the Taliban back on their heels."

The latest and ongoing developments:

Rumsfeld: Operation Succeeding
At his daily press briefing, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said today U.S.-led forces have destroyed a over 80 percent of targtes in Afghanistan, including all but one of the Taliban's airstrips.

The success means forces could strike terrorist camps and Taliban strongholds day and night without fear of reprisal, Rumsfeld continued. American pilots have already said they have felt little threat from anti-aircraft of the Taliban.

Get the Story:
Rumsfeld Says Air Strikes Possible Around the Clock (The Washington Post 10/9)

Defense: Ground Troops Planned
Ground troops will be deployed to Afghanistan once the bombing campaign winds down at the end of the week, senior defense officials have told The Washington Post.

The troops aren't being sent necessarily to prepare for ground assaults but to bolster the campaign, officials said. The number will be smaller than those present during the Persian Gulf operation in 1991, they added, starting with 1,000 from the Army's 10th Mountain Division in addition to 1,000 already in Central Asia.

Get the Story:
Next Phase To Include More Troops (The Washington Post 10/9)

United Nations Reports Deaths
Reuters this morning carries a report of the deaths of four United Nations workers in Afghanistan. The U.N. says the workers were part of a mine-clearing program and the deaths are the first reported by non-Taliban sources.

The New York Times reports that the White House had no immediate comment on the deaths.

Get the Story:
Airstrikes Continue into Daylight Hours (Reuters 10/9)
4 U.N. Workers Killed in Initial Strike on Afghanistan (The New York Times 10/9)
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U.S. on High Alert
Attorney General John Ashcroft says Americans at home should be be aware of possible terrorist strikes now that the United States has responded with military action. Americans abroad, or those planning to travel internationally, have already been advised to take extra caution.

Ashcroft added that warnings to be on alert have been sent to power plants, water supply facilities, banks, telecommunications networks and various infrastructure. His statements came as President Bush was swearing in Tom Ridge to head the Cabinet-level Office of Homeland Security.

Get the Story:
U.S. Strikes Again at Afghan Targets; Nation Put on High Alert for Attacks (The Washington Post 10/9)
Ridge Assumes Security Post Amid Potential For New Attacks (The Washington Post 10/9)
A New Federal Office Opens (The New York Times 10/9)
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Powell to visit Pakistan, India
Secretary of State Colin Powell will travel to Pakistan and India to urge "calm" in the region, said the White House. Relations between Pakistan and India are of concern to the United States, said officials, and there is worry tension could escalate between the rivals.

Get the Story:
U.S. Is Watching India, Pakistan (The Washington Post 10/9)

Related Stories:
U.S., Britain launch attack on Afghanistan (10/8)
Public, lawmakers supporting action (10/8)
Pilots report ease of operation (10/8)
Taliban, bin Laden defiant (10/8)
Operation involves humanitarian aid (10/8)
Bush: Taliban to 'pay a price' (10/7)