Military

DATE= 11/21/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= AFGHAN / SHIPS (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-283411

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S defense officials say they are widening the search net for Osama bin Laden and other members of the al-Qaida terrorist group. More from V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida at the Pentagon.

TEXT: The U-S Navy has launched operations in the North Arabian sea to intercept any ships suspected of carrying al-Qaida members.

A Pentagon spokesman says the search operation off the coast of Pakistan began late Tuesday. He says no intercepts have yet taken place and clarifies that not all ships will be stopped.

But the spokesman tells V-O-A U-S navy personnel are prepared to board and search any vessel they have reason to suspect.

That word comes amid indications the Pentagon is preparing to expand the search for Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaida terrorists on the ground. Defense officials say more Special Forces are being sent into Afghanistan and U-S Marines could soon join them.

Several thousand Marines are currently aboard ships in the region. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/MAR