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CNN Saturday Morning News

Hundreds of Marines Patrol Southern Afghanistan

Aired December 01, 2001 - 11:37   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: As we told you earlier, hundreds of Marines are in southern Afghanistan. Our Walter Rodgers is a member of the journalist pool accompanying those forces in Afghanistan.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALTER RODGERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: U.S. Marine reconnaissance units are now on their nightly patrol in the southern deserts of Afghanistan. They're searching for any of the remaining Taliban who may try to infiltrate or perhaps penetrate the makeshift desert airbase the Marines have established.

They say they are also more than combat ready, should the Marines get the orders to take offensive action against the Taliban. The Marines actual contact with the Taliban so far has been very limited. These mobile light armored units combing the desert are supported by Cobra helicopters. Everyone uses night vision goggles, and with something close to a full moon here, the desert is as bright as daylight to these Marine reconnaissance patrols.

The problem for the Marines remains that the Taliban has integrated itself into the local civilian population.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: That was CNN's Walter Rodgers. He is part of the military media pool that is traveling with U.S. Marines in the south of Afghanistan.

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