- Atlanta - Boston - Chicago - DC Area - Houston - Jersey Area - Los Angeles - New York - SF Bay Area
- Earlier editions
- Astrology - Cricket - Money - Movies - Women - India News - US News
Muhammad Najeeb in Islamabad
The first phase of US-led air strikes against Afghanistan would end by October 14, possibly giving way to Western ground troops in Taleban territory, a senior Pakistani official has said.
"We have received information from the right quarters that the first phase of the strikes would be completed by October 14," the official said on condition of anonymity.
He said while in the first phase there were targeted air strikes, in the second phase 'probably the US and Britain would try to land troops inside Taleban-controlled areas'.
He said US commandos were already inside non-Taleban areas controlled by the Northern Alliance and local warlords.
The official said the US was getting 'very significant' help from the Northern Alliance and warlords. He said the Alliance would also be taking part in any ground battle between the Taliban and US forces.
The official said at the end of the first phase of strikes, a high-powered US delegation led by Secretary of State Colin Powell would be visiting Pakistan on October 15.
"The major purpose of the delegation would be to assess the latest situation and to share it with the Pakistan government," the official said. He said some key officials of the Pentagon and the Central Intelligence Agency would be travelling with Powell.
The official said Powell would meet President Pervez Musharraf and Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar. He would also hold discussions with the newly appointed chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, Lt Gen Ehsanul Haq.
The official did not rule out the possibility of the US seeking logistical support. Musharraf had said in a press conference Monday that Pakistan had not provided any logistical support.
The official said the two sides are likely to discuss the roadmap to a change of government in Afghanistan if the US succeeds in overthrowing the Taleban.
While the US is for an anti-Taleban Northern Alliance government in Kabul, Pakistan has so far opposed the move.
Indo-Asian News Service
The War on Terrorism: The Complete Coverage
The Terrorism Weblog: Latest Stories from Around the World
External Link: For further coverage, please visit www.saja.org/roundupsept11.html
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
