Military

DATE=10/29/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-282389

TITLE=CQ AFGHAN ATTACKS (S-3rD UPD)

BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: U-S warplanes have struck terrorist and military-related targets in eastern Afghanistan and the southern city of Kandahar. Meanwhile, as V-O-A's Jim Teeple reports from Islamabad, Taleban officials are telling thousands of supporters in Pakistan not to try to enter Afghanistan.

TEXT: Heavy air strikes targeted Kandahar - but it was in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border - where U-S warplanes focused most of their attention. They hit targets in Gora Tangi - where Osama bin Laden is believed to have built a maze of tunnels years ago.

Just across the border - in Pakistan's tribal areas several-thousand Pashtun tribesmen waited to cross the border to join the Taleban.

But speaking in Islamabad, Taleban Ambassador Mohammed Zaeef told them their services are not needed.

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The Taleban envoy says at present it is too dangerous for the tribesmen to cross. He also says there are plenty of Taleban available to defend their territory.

Ambassador Zaeef also said several Americans may have been with former Mujahedin-leader Abdul Haq when he was captured - but he said he could not give details. (SIGNED)

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