U.S. Britain strike Taliban in Afghanistan

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2001

Reuters Graphic: Location and timing of military attacks.

In response to September 11's terrorist attacks on America and the Taliban's refusal to turn over those responsible to justice, the United States and Great Britain on Sunday launched the start of military strikes in Afghanistan, with a second round continuing today.

Terrorist camps of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network and military and communications centers of the Taliban ruling power were targeted in three waves by joint U.S. and British forces.

Beginning at about 12:27 p.m. EDT -- 9:27 p.m. in Afghanistan -- locations throughout the country including the capital of Kabul and Taliban military headquarters in Kandahar were reported hit as the coalition launched 50 cruise missiles from bombers, warships and submarines stationed in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The Pentagon said 25 aircraft and 15 bombers, two sent from Missouri, were involved in the operation.

Known as Operation Enduring Freedom, the strikes were just the start of what President Bush and administration officials said would be a sustained campaign against terrorism. At 1:00 p.m. EDT Sunday, Bush made the announcement from the Indian Treaty Room in the White House, citing the Taliban's failure to meet U.S. demands set in the wake of the deadly attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"More than two weeks ago, I gave Taliban leaders a series of clear and specific demands," recounted Bush. "Close terrorist training camps. Hand over leaders of the al-Qaeda network, and return all foreign nationals, including American citizens unjustly detained in our country."

"None of these demands were met," he added. "And now, the Taliban will pay a price."

Bush was soon joined by U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, who said at a press conference in England that he did not know how long the 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 later 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.

Within hours of the first reported explosion in Afghanistan, the Taliban ambassador to Pakistan said civilians were killed and that a foreign plane was downed. Rumsfield and the Pentagon said in the afternoon there was no indication either was true. He added, though, that it was too early to assess the outcome of yesterday's strikes, which were coordinated to avoid populous centers.

Five American pilots who participated in the strikes said in a press call with reporters the operation went according to plan. One said it was easier than his training session.

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