Associated Press
TORA BORA, Afghanistan — Anti-Taliban forces battled guerrillas loyal to Osama bin Laden with tanks and mortars Wednesday, fighting their way through remote mountains toward a cave complex where they believe the terror suspect is holed up.
Up to 1,500 tribal fighters pushed down a valley in the White Mountains toward Tora Bora camp as American B-52s pounded the area with 250- and 500-pound bombs, rocking the forested mountains.
Anti-Taliban commanders said their troops advanced to within a mile of the anthill-like cave complex in eastern Afghanistan, sending the Arab, Chechen and Pakistani fighters of bin Laden’s al-Qaida network scurrying to higher ground.
At the Pentagon, spokesman Rear Adm. John Stufflebeem said said Afghan fighters had already entered some caves in the area searching for al-Qaida members.
Developments Wednesday related to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks:
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