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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2001

Reuters Graphic: Afghan capitol of Kabul attacked by U.S. forces

From the Indian Treaty Room in the White House, President Bush today announced the start of military strikes against terrorist camps of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network and military installations of the Taliban ruling power in Afghanistan.

Joined by Great Britain, Bush said the campaign was in response to the Taliban's failure to adhere to the United States' demands made in the wake of September 11's terrorist attacks. The Taliban has refused to shut down training camps, turn over those responsible for the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies and release international workers, said Bush.

For this, Bush said, the Taliban will "pay a price."

Just yesterday, Bush in his weekly radio address warned that the Taliban were facing "heavy" consequences for not agreeing to his demands. "Full warning has been given, and time is running out," he said.

Media and news sources reported explosions were heard in Kabul, the capitol of Afghanistan, and surrounding areas at about 12:27 pm EDT, Afghan time of 8:57 pm. Strikes are also reported on Jalalabad in the northeast and Kandahar in the south, where Taliban military headquarters are located.

In an address, U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair said he did not know how long the joint U.S. and British effort would last. But the objective, he said, is to "eradicate Osama bin Laden's network of terror and to take action against the Taliban regime that is sponsoring him."

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at a press briefing added that while the Taliban and bin Laden are the current targets, the intent of the attack is to eliminate terrorist networks throughout the entire world that have preyed on people of all races and religions.

Other nations are supporting the strikes, said Bush in his address. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said the country gave its "unreserved backing" to the action.

Get the Announcement:
President Bush (10/7) | Tony Blair (10/7)

Bush Radio Address:
Text (10/6) | Audio (10/6)

More on The Attack:
Humanitarian aid flows to Afghanistan (The Washington Post 10/7)
Pentagon says 50 cruise missiles launched (The Washington Post 10/7)
In pre-taped segment, bin Laden decries 'war on Islam' (AP 10/7)
Muslim leaders in Pakistan condemn attack (AP 10/7)

News Sites:
CNN - http://www.cnn.com
MSNBC - http://www.msnbc.com
ABC News - http://www.abcnews.com
The Washington Post - http://www.washingtonpost.com
The New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com