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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2001

A month after September 11's deadly terrorist attacks, and just days after the U.S. began massive air strikes on Afghanistan, American-led forces will flush Osama bin Laden "out of his cave," President Bush proclaimed on Thursday.

Declaring that the five-day campaign has the al-Qaeda terrorist network "on the run," Bush said the group's leader is still an intended, if elusive, target. One of America's 22 Most Wanted, bin Laden and his associates must be brought to justice for the the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies that have cost the lives of more than 5,000 people, he said.

"We're mounting a sustained campaign to drive the terrorists out of their hidden caves and to bring them to justice," Bush told reporters last night.

"In terms of Mr. bin Laden himself, we'll get him running," Bush promised. "We'll smoke him out of his cave, and we'll get him eventually."

Bush's first prime-time news conference of his presidency was an occasion to give the public an update on the new war on terrorism. Having paid tribute to victims during a memorial service at the Pentagon, Bush continued to push the gains the nation has made in its campaign against bin Laden and the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan.

With Pentagon officials claiming additional success in destroying hideouts of Taliban leaders, Operation Enduring Freedom would appear to be the success Bush has claimed. At his daily press briefing, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said a fifth day of airstrikes has destroyed several cave bunkers in and around the Afghan capital of Kabul.

But new threats of terrorist attacks at home and the enduring question of bin Laden's whereabouts mean America's effort is nowhere near a conclusion. Along with three reported cases of anthrax in Florida and additional restrictions on truck traffic near the U.S. Capitol, the country in many ways remains susceptible.

Bush attempted to assuage any concerns last night. While the U.S. targets bin Laden, he is only one of many terrorists sought, said the President.

Of the suspected mastermind of September 11's attacks, Bush said "success or failure depends not on bin Laden; success or failure depends upon routing out terrorism where it may exist all around the world."

Yesterday's brief and undetailed FBI warning of upcoming attacks was necessary to keep Americans informed safe, Bush said. Even so, Americans are returning to their daily lives, he added.

And as the nation prepares to enter a week of military strikes against the al-Qaeda and the Taliban, Bush said to expect the anti-terror campaign to last "a year or two."

Bush's speech caps off a week of heightened anti-terror activity. Bush instituted the new Office of Homeland Security, headed by former Gov. Tom Ridge, to coordinate American safety among various federal departments and agencies.

The Senate last night also passed a wide-ranging bill that makes it easier for authorities to investigate persons suspected of terrorism. Snooping e-mails, intercepting electronic conversations and detaining foreign nationals are among the "Patriot" bill's hallmarks.

The House is expected to take up the bill today.

Bush at Press Conference:
Text | Video: Opening Remarks | Video: Questions and Answers | Video: For the Kids

Bush at Pentagon Memorial:
Text | Video | Audio

From the FBI:
America's Most Wanted (10/11)

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