Military

DATE=05/20/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=AFGHAN/PENTAGON (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-289985

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan are pursuing the gunmen who killed a U-S Special Forces soldier. As V-O-A correspondent Alex Belida reports from the Pentagon, operations continue to locate and destroy remnants of the al-Qaida and Taleban.

TEXT: The Special Forces soldier was killed when the group of Afghan fighters he was traveling with came under fire near a village in eastern Afghanistan.

One Afghan fighter was wounded. One of the attackers was killed.

Pentagon spokeswoman Victoria Clarke says the American soldier's death --- the 36th U-S fatality in Operation Enduring Freedom --- underscores the dangers that remain in Afghanistan.

///CLARKE ACTUALITY///

His death reminds us that Afghanistan is a very, very dangerous place. It also reminds us of the sacrifices being made every day by the men and women in the military, and I would say it strengthens our resolve in the pursuit of the terrorists, the terrorist networks and those who are harboring and fostering and supporting them.

///END ACTUALITY///

Marine Lieutenant General Gregory Newbold of the Pentagon's Joint Staff says the soldier's death occurred during a search for al-Qaida and Taleban fugitives as part of Operation Mountain Lion.

He says the identity of the attackers is unknown. But, he says, al-Qaida and Taleban forces have changed tactics in recent weeks, breaking up into small groups in an effort to avoid presenting a major target to coalition troops.

///NEWBOLD ACTUALITY///

The willingness of the Taleban and al-Qaida to form large groups that will stand and fight against our forces is now dissipated. They have changed tactics. They operate in small groups to avoid contact with our forces.

///END ACTUALITY///

Pentagon officials say they believe coalition attacks have made al-Qaida's ability to operate in or from Afghanistan more difficult.

But they warn the group has global reach and concur with administration assessments that another major terrorist attack against the United States or U-S interests is likely. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/SAB