Homeland Security

DATE=5/15/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/RUMSFELD (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-303264

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Senior U-S defense officials acknowledge more terrorist attacks like this week's bloody bombings in Saudi Arabia are possible. But as V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida reports, the officials insist groups like al-Qaida have been severely crippled and they say the hunt is still on for al-Qaida leaders believed hiding in remote areas.

TEXT: For a moment, it seemed as if General Richard Myers was publicly acknowledging for the first time that al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is still alive, as he discussed the kind of rugged, ungoverned areas where top terrorists are probably hiding.

/// MYERS ACTUALITY ///

That doesn't mean we don't have people out this very minute, looking for him [Bin Laden].

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Appearing at a Pentagon news briefing with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U-S military was asked for clarification and quickly offered it.

/// MYERS ACTUALITY ///

We don't know if he's alive or dead but that doesn't mean you stop looking for the leadership.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Osama Bin Laden's fate has been uncertain since late December of 2001, after U-S forces attacked terrorist bases in Afghanistan in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks that year in the United States.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says it remains a hard task to find a single individual -- especially in ungoverned areas. He mentions no specific locations, but in the past U-S officials have pointed to remote portions of Pakistan and Yemen as likely terrorist hiding spots. Somalia has also been identified as a possible al-Qaida haven.

But Mr. Rumsfeld says some rogue countries are also continuing to provide sanctuary to terrorists.

/// RUMSFELD ACTUALITY ///

We know there are senior al-Qaida in Iran.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

He offers no elaboration. But Mr. Rumsfeld insists terrorist groups like al-Qaida, while still active and a threat, have been dealt a severe blow by worldwide efforts to crack down on their activities.

/// RUMSFELD ACTUALITY ///

We've always said that it doesn't mean there will not be terrorist attacks. We knew that and we said that from this podium. And I suspect there'll be more. But it's tougher for them and we intend to make it still tougher.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Mr. Rumsfeld says he has no plans for further cutbacks in U-S troops in Saudi Arabia in the wake of the latest terror bombing. Most are leaving following the war in Iraq, but he says a small number involved in training and military exercises with Saudi authorities will remain. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/RH/FC