NBC News Saturday Today October 6, 2001 Saturday
US readying for war
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DAVID BLOOM, co-host: But we begin with the preparations for the war on terrorism and the investigation into the attacks on America. NBC's Norah O'Donnell is at the Pentagon this morning. Good morning, Norah. NORAH O'DONNELL reporting:
Good morning, David. There are reports this morning out of Afghanistan that Taliban anti-aircraft guns fired at a high-flying aircraft as it flew over the capital. An ominous sign as US military planners are expected to begin humanitarian food drops this weekend. Now those relief flights will have fighter jets for escorts that could bomb such Taliban anti-aircraft sites if they pose a threat to American planes.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld flew back to American soil today after a coalition-building trip that will send the first known US troops to the region. Uzbekistan has granted the US rights to use just one air base for military operations, but only for humanitarian aid and search and rescue teams. Military officials say that cargo planes arrived at an air base in Uzbekistan last night carrying troops and equipment from the 10th Army Mountain Division. Sources tell NBC News the Bush administration has designed a bombing campaign to target the Taliban's military headquarters, training camps, and air defenses.
At Brandenburg Air Force Base, the US launched a spy satellite on Friday. The US now has six satellites in orbit that can transfer real time intelligence to any ground forces stationed in Afghanistan, an unprecedented tool.
Mr. TIM BROWN (Globalsecurity.org): They can actually get the images downloaded to them on their laptop computers. They can see what's on the other side of the hill, whether there are troops coming up to ambush them.
O'DONNELL: Meanwhile on the investigation, NBC News has learned that one day before attacks, the hijackers transferred money to the Middle East, $5,215 from a Boston airport foreign exchange booth. Three money transfers on September 8th from this Maryland supermarket, each $5,000 in cash. Investigators believe all unused cash from planning the attacks went to a man who has now vanished, but could be a crucial link to bin Laden.
And President Bush is warning Afghanistan's ruling Taliban that, quote/unquote, "time is running out for them to turn over Osama bin Laden." It's the clearest indication to date that the US military is planning action against Osama bin Laden and his followers as well as the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan. David:
BLOOM: NBC's Norah O'Donnell at the Pentagon. And now here's Soledad.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, co-host: David, thanks.
Copyright 2001 National Broadcasting Co. Inc.
