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American Morning

America Strikes Back: Not Only Bombs Dropped from Planes, but Humanitarian Effort as Well

Aired October 08, 2001 - 09:21   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.
JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Now as the president makes his case here at the White House, more developments over at the Pentagon. This military operation quite unique. In the first day of the strikes, not only cruise missiles and bombs dropped from planes, but a humanitarian effort as well.

For more on that, let's get the latest from Bob Franken standing by at the Pentagon -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: As a result, what they normally call a damage estimate report which is due out in a matter of hours, probably will go beyond that.

First of all, let's talk about the military aspect of it. Aircraft carriers, the Vinson and the Enterprise, at night were lighted up. One of the most spectacular things you will ever see is the catapulting of the jets which fly from the aircraft carriers day or night. The strike aircraft, as they are called, from the carriers, were joined by B-52s and B-1 bombers, which about -- B-2 bombers rather, which were in skies from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, and the B-1 stealth bomber, which flew all the way from Whiteman Air Base, which is near Kansas City.

In addition to that, they are supplemented, of course, by the cruise missiles. About 50 of the Tomahawk bombers fired from four ships and two submarines. Now that was combat aspect. It was also, as you pointed out, John, the humanitarian relief. The planes pushed out of their bellies about 37,500 of what they call HDRs, humanitarian daily rations, to clusters of refugees who are on the ground in Afghanistan.

And on the one hand, people argue that this is tactical, that it is part of an effort to neutralize the opposition in Afghanistan. The Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld, Donald Rumsfeld, in an interview on CNN said it was genuinely humanitarian.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Anyone who looks at the overhead photography of these poor human beings, amassing in 20s, and 40s and hundreds and now more recently into thousands of people, trekking across drought-stricken areas, looking for food look for sustenance and refuge, anyone who sees that has to be just heartbroken, and it's important that we and other countries in the world assist those people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: And day two, or really night two of the military operations, are about to continue, and it's been made very clear here that in both a combat way and a humanitarian way, there will be an immediate second day -- John.

KING: These rations, what is in the packet when it hits the ground?

FRANKEN: Well, what's interesting is it's something that has been designed to be ethically neutral, religiously neutral, which is to say meat products. It's really fortified carbohydrate products, including one that is described as beans in a vinaigrette. I believe we call that three-bean salad.

KING: Bob Franken at the Pentagon with the menu for the humanitarian operation. We thank you for that.

We also want to check in now across town at the State Department, as the federal government increasingly talks about security here at home, increasing security here at home. The State Department also plays a very important role in urging Americans overseas to be careful.

Kathleen Koch standing by there this morning -- Kathleen.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John, you noticed the change immediately. As you tried to approach this building, every single street surrounding the State Department has been shut down. There are barricades manned by police. There are checkpoints where they are checking everyone's ID.

Before you even approach this building, similar security could be expected at U.S. embassies around the world. The U.S. has put out a special request to host countries to provide that intense extra security, not only for the embassy buildings, but for any and all Americans traveling internationally.

Now U.S. embassies are closed today for the Columbus Day holiday, but a quick check of some of the embassy Web sites advise that any Americans overseas, if they could, stay inside, and to basically lay low, and stay in touch with news, the -- monitor the news and monitor all the latest events in those countries.

Now a worldwide caution went out from the State Department yesterday, as these U.S. military strikes began. The advisory was cautioning that the strikes -- quote -- "may result in strong anti- American sentiment and retaliatory actions against U.S. citizens and interests out there the world by terrorists, and those who are sympathetic to or who otherwise support terrorism."

The caution also did suggest, again, Americans monitor the news, that they limit their movements, and that they stay in touch with nearest embassy. A very special warning to any U.S. citizens who might still be in country of Afghanistan to do their best to leave as soon as possible.

Of course, Secretary of State Colin Powell was headed to that region by end of the week. He will be stopping in both Pakistan and India, meeting with leaders there. Of course, Secretary Powell very concerned about the overflight rights that Pakistan has promised to the U.S. , that those continue -- John.

KING: Kathleen Koch at the State Department, words of caution to Americans overseas. Again, we will hear from the president later this morning. Here at the White House, words of caution as well to Americans in this country. The government saying the threat of a retaliatory terrorist strike remains high. But Mr. Bush will also say the American government is doing all it can to prevent such strikes.

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