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American Morning

B-52 Cruises Afghan Skies, Possibly Looking For Mullah Omar

Aired December 27, 2001 - 08:00   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.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: I am joined once again by my colleague, Bill Hemmer, who is heading up Operation Happy Holidays in Afghanistan. He's keeping an eye on late developments over there in Kandahar as well -- good morning, Bill.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Miles. Good morning and good afternoon -- late afternoon as the sun sets, and as it sets, Miles, just a few moments ago.

You know, the U.S. bombing has tapered off considerably in the past week, but we can see a B-52 flying on the horizon in the west direction, not sure where it is, but still several miles from our location. It's possible -- and again, this is only speculation -- possible it's flying over Helmand Province.

Why could that be critical? Well, sources in the region tell us they suspect that's where Mullah Mohammed Omar may have been taken -- taken refuge in the past several weeks -- the Taliban founder. But again, no indication that his whereabouts are indeed in that place, but we have spotted that B-52 overhead.

In a moment here, we'll fill you in on the latest detainees that were brought in, in the middle of the night here, and also more reaction from the U.S. Marines on that Osama bin Laden tape. We'll have that for you in a matter of minutes. But, Miles, first back to you in Atlanta -- see you, Bill.

HEMMER: All right, Bill, we'll see you in just a bit.

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