Military

DATE=10/17/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON / STRIKES (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-281915

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S forces appear poised for a new phase in the ongoing campaign against Taleban and al-Qaida terrorist targets inside Afghanistan. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Pentagon sources say helicopter-backed special operations forces are now deployed in the region aboard the aircraft carrier U-S-S Kitty Hawk. The sources say the elite troops, skilled in covert raids, are prepared to join the fighting in Afghanistan if so ordered.

The disclosure comes in the second week of heavy U-S air strikes against Taleban and al-Qaida terrorist targets. In recent days the bombers, fighters, and long-range cruise missiles involved in the strikes have been joined by A-C-130 gunships, propeller-driven aircraft capable of flying low and slow over targets. These are often used to support operations by ground troops.

The Pentagon says, meanwhile, that planners and pilots are exercising special care to ensure that only military or terrorist targets are hit in U-S air-strikes.

But officials acknowledge bombs dropped Tuesday by a Navy fighter inadvertently struck one or more warehouses used by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Kabul.

The Pentagon says the incident is under investigation. But it says the warehouses were among a series of structures targeted by U-S forces because the Taleban used them for storage of military equipment.

In an interview broadcast to the Middle East in Arabic by al-Jazeera television, U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the United States cares greatly about civilian casualties, noting thousands of innocent Americans were killed in terrorist attacks last month.

Mr. Rumsfeld again emphasized the U-S led operation is not aimed against a single country or a religion, but directed against terrorists and their supporters in an act of self-defense. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/JWH