WASHINGTON – U.S. military forces continue preparations for combat operations to apprehend suspected terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.
Defense officials said Friday it will be difficult for American troops to operate inside Afghanistan, where the Saudi exile is believed to be hiding. But Pentagon leaders say they have confidence in the ability of their special operations units to conduct missions in remote, hostile areas worldwide.
U.S. military officials also say Afghanistan’s opposition Northern Alliance may provide valuable logistic and intelligence assistance during any action against the country’s ruling Taleban movement. Three other central Asian nations – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – have expressed support for international efforts to combat global terrorism. But officials in all three countries say the Bush administration has not formally asked for their cooperation.
Pres. George W. Bush speaks before joint session of Congress
During his televised speech Thursday evening, President Bush said the campaign to end global terrorism would be unlike any war Americans have ever seen. The president also warned there would be American casualties during the conflict.
U.S. aircraft carriers, warplanes and troops have been mobilized to prepare for combat. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has declined to specify where military personnel and equipment are headed or when they will arrive.
Earlier this week the first wave of combat aircraft was deployed to U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Thousands of military reservists have been mobilized to support overseas combat and domestic security operations.
