Military

DATE=5/13/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=AFGHAN/PAKISTAN/U-S (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-289740

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld indicates Pakistan may be poised to take military action against al-Qaida and Taleban fighters hiding in the country's volatile tribal areas near the border with Afghanistan. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Mr. Rumsfeld says the United States remains pleased with the level of cooperation shown by Pakistan in the war on terrorism.

But speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indonesia's visiting defense minister, Mr. Rumsfeld acknowledged Pakistani authorities had to deal with certain sensitivities in considering military action in so-called tribal areas near the border with Afghanistan.

He says it is a problem Pakistan's government is dealing with.

/// RUMSFELD ACTUALITY ///

They are currently working out ways that they can deal with the tribal organizations, so that, in fact, pockets of al-Qaida or Taleban can be routed out.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Mr. Rumsfeld's comments follow a Washington Post newspaper report that U-S intelligence analysts have concluded the major remaining concentrations of al-Qaida fighters are in western Pakistan.

The newspaper went on to claim U-S officials have pressed Pakistan to take action against the suspected terrorists, but that Pakistani authorities were reluctant.

Meanwhile, U-S forces in Afghanistan have raided a suspected al-Qaida or Taleban compound north of Kandahar.

A spokesman says the American troops killed five men and captured 32 others in the incident.

Mr. Rumsfeld says weapons were also seized in the raid. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/TW