Kandahar Airport to Switch From Marine to Army Hands
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: America's main base in Afghanistan is about to experience a shift change, as we were just telling you. Meanwhile, military planners are grappling with the issue of Mullah Omar, and where he will be taken if and when he's captured. CNN's Bill Hemmer details those developments and other headlines from Afghanistan.</s>BILL HEMMER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In the event Mullah Mohammed Omar was captured by U.S. forces, a scenario is starting to develop that would take the Taliban founder actually to sea, and not here to the Kandahar Airport. Already the U.S. military has several dozen ships floating in the Arabian Sea. You can imagine for yourself the logistical problems if Mullah Mohammed Omar came here, already with several hundred detainees here at the airport. As we mention that, the rumors and the reports are various and rampant as to where the Taliban founder may be at this time. But here is what we know: We are led to believe, through the Kandahar governor, that Mullah Mohammed Omar still is in northern Helmand Province, possibly around the town of Baghran. In addition, we are told, 1,500 loyal Taliban fighters may be surrounding him. There are various reports about talks of a surrender there. But again, not being on the ground there, it's difficult to ascertain whether or not that is making progress. On another front, the airport here is, indeed, making progress. Transitional teams from the 101st Airborne Division -- the U.S. Army -- were here today talking with the U.S. Marines about the eventual handover. We do anticipate the Marines handing this base over in a week or two weeks here in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Also, as we mention that, the U.S. Army will be responsible, then, for the detainees here at the base. Right now 250, after 25 more came in last night. Again, most in this group are from Pakistan. And the Marines indicate right now the expansion facility has taken place (sic). Up to 400 prisoners can be brought here, and eventually -- possibly by the end of this month -- another expansion will take place, taking in about 500 here at the Kandahar Airport. Also, there were some greetings from home. Specifically, eastern Maryland. A number of people from small towns like Denton, Maryland and Greensboro signed a number of papers here that now are glued and taped onto the walls of the terminal buildings. Many notes in there from parents and schoolkids. Some kids say good luck and come home soon. Others say good luck, hope you don't get lost. Good sense of humor, 7,000 miles from home. With the U.S. Marines, Bill Hemmer, CNN reporting, Kandahar, Afghanistan.