Fri, Mar 12, 2004
Aerial Resources Called In To Find Terrorist
The Pentagon is
considering beefing up the already enhanced technology U.S. forces
are using to search for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden along the
mountainous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Troops will
start using ground sensors, U-2 spy planes and unmanned Predator
drones to monitor the area 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The U.S. military also is examining using the E-8 Joint
Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, a long-range,
air-to-ground surveillance system designed to locate, classify and
track in any type of weather. The aircraft has a range of more than
150 miles (250 kilometers) and can receive a video feed from a
Predator drone and mark ground targets for attack. The U.S.
military also may use the RC-135 Rivet Joint, an aircraft that
allows the U.S. military to monitor electronic activity.
Among the various aircraft that will be in place within days are
the U-2 spy planes, which fly at 70,000 feet, taking pictures,
using radar and intercepting communications. Unmanned Predator
drones, flying at 25,000 feet, are equipped with cameras that can
spot vehicles and people and special radar that can operate through
clouds. Some of the Predators also may carry Hellfire missiles. In
addition, ground sensors may be placed along mountain passes to
listen for vehicles.
The planes and sensors will send data via satellite to analysts.
The U.S. military has bought up satellite transmission capacity in
the region, to ensure it can respond quickly. None of the measures
are being acknowledged officially.
The U.S. military is
counting on constant surveillance of the border region and the
"squeeze play" by U.S. and Pakistani forces surrounding the border
to present the best chance to net the world's most-wanted
terrorist. Pentagon officials said they think bin Laden is hiding
along the Pakistan-Afghan border, but they said they do not know
the al Qaeda leader's exact location. Top Bush administration
officials said they believe that bin Laden may begin to feel the
heat from troops now hunting for him and that he might start to
move.
When asked if he thought bin Laden would be captured this
year, Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. Central Command
said he had no way of knowing. But he claim, "I think that we will
make it very painful for al Qaeda between now and the end of the
year."
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