Thunderous explosions rock Afghanistan as U.S. and Britain launch military retaliation

By AMIR SHAH The Associated Press 10/7/01 1:14 PM

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Thunderous explosions and the rattle of anti-aircraft fire were heard Sunday night in the Afghan capital Kabul, as the United States and Britain launched military retaliation in Afghanistan. Electricity was shut off throughout the city.

CNN meanwhile reported explosions in the northeast Afghan city of Jalalabad and the southern city of Kandahar, where the headquarters of the ruling Taliban militia is located. Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar lives in Kandahar.

The first explosions could be heard about 8:57 p.m. local time, or 12:27 p.m. EDT, when it is dark in Kabul. Five large explosions shook the city, followed by the sounds of anti-aircraft fire.

A Taliban official in Kabul contacted by telephone from Pakistan said "we are under attack. They bombed in the south of Kabul. Our guns are firing." The official, who gave his name only as Mudir, gave no further details.

The private, Islamabad-based Afghan Islamic Press agency quoted the Taliban as saying American planes had bombed areas near the Kabul airport in the northern part of the city.

The agency said there were no details of casualties and no reports of damage to the city itself. It added, however, that "huge smoke is rising near Kabul airport."

In Washington, President Bush said U.S. and British military action had begun in Afghanistan. He said forces are taking "targeted actions" against Taliban military capabilities and the al-Qaida network of alleged terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden.

The retaliation came a day after Bush warned the Taliban that time was running out for them to hand over bin Laden and his lieutenants or face the consequences. Bin Laden, a Saudi exile, is the main suspect in the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington.

"We are beginning another front in our war against terrorism so freedom can prevail over fear," Bush spokesman Ari Fleischer said.

Power went off throughout Kabul almost immediately after the first of five thunderous blasts, which appeared to have been in the southwest of the city. The southwestern part of Kabul includes the Darulaman Palace, an ancient royal residence, and the Balahisar Fort, an old Mogul style installation.

The firing tapered off for a few minutes but resumed after a jet aircraft could be heard passing over the city.

A curfew was in effect in the city, making it impossible to independently determine further details.

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2001

Answers

Ananova :

JUST IN: Reports of second wave of attacks

We are receiving reports of a second wave of attacks on Afghanistan.

It is understood the city of Kandahar is being targeted.

CNN believes the raids are on the headquarters of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar.

Initial reports say the raids are heavier than the first attacks.

Buildings near the home of Mohammed Omar are thought to have been destroyed.

A military base has also been hit and anti-aircraft fire has been seen in the skies above the city.

We will bring you more details as we get them

Story filed: 19:23 Sunday 7th October 2001

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2001