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CNN Live At Daybreak

U.S.-Led Airstrikes Taking War Against Terrorism to Taliban Frontlines

Aired November 01, 2001 - 06:30   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.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: The U.S.-led airstrikes have taken the war against terrorism to the Taliban frontlines in northern Afghanistan. Northern Alliance forces say that U.S. planes have been bombing hillsides near the Afghan (INAUDIBLE) border to try and destroy al Qaeda camps and as the U.S. continues to attack from the air, Northern Alliance troops are keeping up a steady of barrage of artillery fire.

Let's go to CNN's Satinder Bindra who's been covering the developments and files a report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SATINDER BINDRA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A Northern Alliance Russian built T-55 tank opens up against Taliban positions. For the past few days, the Taliban on this frontline are taking fire on two fronts - on the ground and from the air.

Northern Alliance commanders say U.S. planes have been targeting this area to try and destroy al Qaeda camps. Some of the camps in these hills say soldiers here house fighters (INAUDIBLE) a leader of the Islamic movement of Uzbekistan and a close confidant of Osama bin Laden.

On Tuesday, U.S. planes dropped three bombs in these hills. One bomb, according to the Northern Alliance troops here, landed just a short distance away from one of the al Qaeda camps. So far Taliban troops haven't fire back. Other than bombs, the Pentagon says its planes are also dropping crates of ammunition to help Northern Alliance forces.

But some alliance commanders say they are unaware that U.S. troops are in the region to better coordinate airstrikes-a presence, the Pentagon confirms. Northern Alliance leaders say the only U.S. forces they see have mainly been dealing with independent warlords who are also fighting the Taliban, but are not part of the internationally recognized government of Afghanistan.

Defense sources here say Washington must improve its relations with the recognized government to give this Afghan campaign a better chance to succeed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): The Northern Alliance has been fighting terrorism for seven years. If any government wants to be successful here, they should support us because we are the main political force here.

BINDRA: After four weeks of intense bombing, army officials here say it may now also be time for Washington to change its military strategy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): This bombardment alone can not (INAUDIBLE) advance (INAUDIBLE) troops. It is not a guarantee for victory.

BINDRA: What could ensure victory, says the Northern Alliance, is to entice Taliban commanders with money or convince them to move to the stronger camp in this war. Commanders here say another 300 Taliban troops have just defected. It's a claim that can not be independently verified.

In the days ahead, these troops hope to get more supplies and support from the Pentagon. At the moment, they are so low on weapons and ammunition that despite all the public pronouncements of their leaders who say they'll soon launch a major offensive, these soldiers know that may not happen for some time.

Satinder Bindra, CNN, Iohomming Hill (ph), northeastern Afghanistan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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