Bombing Campaign in Eastern Afghanistan Continues
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN ANCHOR: An intense bombing campaign in eastern Afghanistan continues, and U.S. troops and Afghan ground fighters have teamed up to try and root out al Qaeda and Taliban forces believed to be regrouping in a remote mountainous region around Gardez. CNN's Brian Palmer has more on this offensive that's being called the biggest in Afghanistan this year.</s>BRIAN PALMER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): U.S. military helicopters, Chinooks and Apaches, hugged the terrain near Bagram Airfield, a former Soviet base now being used by U.S. forces in support of continuing operations in Afghanistan. More than 100 miles to the south, battle rages in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan between Afghan forces supported by U.S. and coalition forces and al Qaeda and Taliban fighters.</s>MAJOR A.C. ROPER: Operations continue south of Gardez in Afghanistan. Firefights have been intense, at times in heavy combat actions. The exact size of the enemy forces occupying a series of cave complexes is not known. Afghan, U.S., and coalition forces are involved in eliminating al Qaeda and non-Afghan Taliban forces in the area.</s>PALMER: The operation began on Friday, Afghanistan time, with U.S. B-52 bombers striking al Qaeda and Taliban forces near the (inaudible) district of Pachtia (ph) Province. An Afghan ground offensive with 500 to 600 men, along with a smaller number of American troops followed on Saturday and met heavy resistance. U.S. B-52 bombers struck again on Saturday and on Sunday. This is believed to be the largest joint military operation this year. An Afghan intelligence official says it was months in the planning. Several residents of neighboring Logar (ph) Province said U.S. military recruited local commanders and fighters for the campaign. Brian Palmer, CNN, Kabul.