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CNN Live Saturday

U.S. Army Arrests Possible Threats Near Kandahar Airport

Aired January 26, 2002 - 12:02   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Now back to Afghanistan and our top story, a possible threat at the U.S. Army base in Kandahar. Military officials say five people were detained after trying to cross the base's perimeter.

CNN's Martin Savidge has been following this developing story, and he joins us now from Kandahar -- hi, Marty.

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Fredricka. A short while ago we had a demonstration of just how seriously they take security concerns here at the Kandahar Airport, and also how almost nothing goes undetected around the perimeter.

It all began around 6:00 p.m. tonight, shortly after the sun went down, when patrols around the airport runway spotted an individual apparently trying to crawl under the perimeter wire and get onto the base. That individual was quickly apprehended and taken away for questioning. Then about 60 minutes later, using thermal imaging, soldiers spotted four other people that were moving about, located about one mile outside of the perimeter. Patrols were sent out, and they, too, were apprehended and brought back to the Kandahar Airport.

Now, while all of that was going on, 81 millimeter mortars were pumping illumination flairs into the air lighting up the perimeter. Soldiers were seen donning flap jackets and carrying their rifles, heading into position. The base went on full alert. Helicopters went into the air. Transport aircraft that come and go were put immediately on hold. No one wanted to launch with the potential threat in the area.

Now, the dust has settled, and the information has become more clear. The individual that was trying to crawl under the wire apparently was under the influence of drugs. That person is still being held. The four other people, it turns out, were actually children looking for firewood. They have been released.

It only goes to show you, though, how much they still consider a threat that this airport may be, and that it is still better to be safe than sorry -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks very much -- Martin Savidge reporting live there from Afghanistan.

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