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CNN Sunday Morning

Special Forces Scour Southern Afghanistan for bin Laden

Aired November 18, 2001 - 08:06   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.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: Well as the U.S.-led military campaign advances, its primary target retreats further into the shadows. Even members of the Taliban's inner circle appear uncertain on the whereabouts of the hunted terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden.

CNN's Kathleen Koch has the latest now from the Pentagon -- Kathleen.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Martin, on foot, on dune buggies and on horseback, U.S. special forces troops are scouring the desolate mountainous regions of southern Afghanistan for Osama bin Laden.

Now just this morning, the "Times" of London is reporting that British defense sources say that the allies have narrowed bin Laden's location to a 30-square mile area. The U.S. Pentagon will not confirm that, however, will only say that the noose is tightening around Osama bin Laden's neck. Helping that effort is new intelligence that was gathered from an al Qaeda safe house as well as more U.S. special forces now on the ground, over 300.

"Newsweek" magazine has found that Americans are not overly optimistic about the chances of Osama bin Laden being captured. A poll yesterday showing 28 percent thought that the chances of capturing or killing him were very likely, 41 percent said somewhat likely while 32 percent said not likely.

Americans were also split on the effect that capturing or killing the terrorist leader would have with 44 percent believing it would inspire acts of terrorism while 48 percent believe that it would reduce terrorism. As to whether the U.S. military is playing it straight with the American people, an overwhelming 72 percent said that the U.S. military efforts were going as well as reported while just 22 percent had their doubts.

There have been those reports that Osama bin Laden has slipped out of the country. And as to where he might go, several different options. Some say that the most likely place would be Pakistan where the Taliban and al Qaeda have significant support. Moving west into Iran is said to be unlikely because Osama bin Laden is unwelcome there.

Heading north to Uzbekistan or Tajikistan are not considered very likely options since he would run the risk of encountering northern opposition troops or also a U.S. force is in the region. And experts say perhaps the most likely havens would be in Iraq or Sudan. Now of course we will hear more about all of this, the U.S. search for Osama bin Laden, later this morning when National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice appears on "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER" -- Martin.

SAVIDGE: And we'll look forward to that.

Kathleen Koch, thank you very much, from the Pentagon.

KOCH: You're welcome.

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