Continuation of the U.S.-Led Forces' Offensive - 2002-03-06

The U.S. military reports that with the continuation of the offensive by U.S.-led forces in the mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan, hundreds of Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters have been killed. A military spokesperson stated that 350 enemy fighters have been killed. Estimates regarding the number of Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters hiding in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan with their families range between 500 to 700 militants. Officials also state that the continuation of airstrikes has weakened enemy resistance, but opposition persists. Meanwhile, the bodies of 8 Americans killed in recent battles have arrived in the United States early today. According to a published report, new investigations and tracking of internet communications among Al-Qaeda supporters indicate that elements of this terrorist network are likely attempting to reorganize and form new groups. The New York Times, citing U.S. government officials, reported that new websites and email addresses have been discovered, apparently as part of an effort to reorganize the Al-Qaeda network and re-establish its communication system after the Afghanistan war. The New York Times noted that these officials stated some of the emails trace back to Balochistan, Pakistan, indicating no specific threats. However, the new communication traffic has raised concerns that Al-Qaeda may be able to launch new attacks against the United States using the internet. U.S. officials stated that a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft filmed the entire incident of the capture and killing of a U.S. Navy SEAL who fell from an American helicopter. Neil Roberts, a member of the elite U.S. Navy unit, was captured by Al-Qaeda fighters after falling from the helicopter and was killed by them. He was one of eight American soldiers killed during intense fighting in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan this week.