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CNN Sunday Morning

U.S. Special Forces Join Eastern Alliance to Look for bin Laden

Aired December 30, 2001 - 09:09   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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, we're seeing new signs this morning that the U.S. campaign in eastern Afghanistan may be running out of steam.

U.S. Special Operations forces joined Eastern Alliance troops in combing the mountainous region. They're looking for leads to Osama bin Laden and his top al Qaeda cohorts. But CNN's Nic Robertson says the trial and enthusiasm is growing cold for the trail.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): For these Afghan fighters of the Eastern Alliance, there is little to do these days except wait. They came to the mountains to catch Osama bin Laden. Now more than a month later, they're beginning to think their al Qaeda quarry has eluded them.

"I think Osama is in northeast Pakistan" says tank commander Zabed Walajan.

"We have searched the mountains many times," says commander Gula Lin. "We have arrested some Arabic people, and found a lot of dead Arabs, but the other Arabs and Osama have gone to Pakistan."

Indeed, among the more senior commanders in the mountains, there is surprise U.S. Special Forces continue their hunt.

"According to my information" says Commander Mohammed Tahir Sarjan, "work here is finished and there's nothing in this area and no need for American commandos, but if they have a plan, they can stay."

Despite rumors, some fighters here may have helped Osama bin Laden escape, none show sympathy for him, and expect others to finish what they couldn't.

"The international community will find Osama and kill him" says fighter Wachan Gul. Time has passed and familiar battle front routines, servicing the machines of war, friendly contact with foreign forces in this search, even if much of the help has been from high- tech planes far above, has reaffirmed for these rugged warrior, they need updating.

"We have this old tank" says Saddam Mohammed. "Everyone wants good equipment and good tanks." Almost as neglected as their aging hardware, are the men themselves. No uniforms, often just sandals on their feet, and according to commanders, no pay. Only three meals a day, although some suspect top commanders may be getting cash from the Americans they all help.

Surprisingly though, no animosity towards their better equipped comrades in arms, the U.S. Special Forces. Indeed most here say they just want help ending the mess the country has slipped into.

"We have been fighting for 25 years" says Azi Zulla. "We are happy for an international force to come and bring peace."

In the meantime, until peace of bin Laden is found, they gather round the fire for another night, to ward off the only enemies they say they have left in these mountains now, the dust and the cold. Nic Robertson, CNN, near Tora Bora, Afghanistan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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