Elite forces 'crucial' in smoking out bin Laden
The first ground attack of the war on terrorism this weekend was a foretaste of the crucial role British and American elite troops will play in smoking out Osama bin Laden, defence sources said today.
The ground assault on a target in southern Afghanistan opened a new phase of the war on terrorism after two weeks of intensive air strikes.
Officials said the helicopter-borne commandos returned to base after several hours inside the country. There was no word of possible casualties.
With politicians keen to avoid a large-scale, potentially bloody invasion of Afghanistan, the shadowy methods of the special forces are the ideal alternative.
Specially trained commandos from both countries, including British SAS ‘‘liaison officers’’, are believed to have been on the ground for weeks preparing for undercover missions.
The quality of the SAS is such that the Pentagon is reported to have asked the UK Government to send in the entire regiment.
US defence chiefs, frustrated at their forces’ lack of success in tracking down the terrorist warlord, believe the SAS has ‘‘war-winning capability’’.
It is thought British generals have agreed to waive the normal rule which states that only two of the four SAS squadrons of around 50 soldiers can be in action at any one time.
Instead, it is reported that part of one squadron will remain at its Hereford HQ to deal with any emergencies in this country.
The SAS rely on their fitness and stealth to get almost everywhere on foot after being dropped some distance from the scene of the action.
During the Gulf War the special troops survived up to seven weeks behind Iraqi lines, often in appalling conditions.
In contrast the US special forces are more often dropped directly into the conflict zone.
The Airborne Rangers who raided the residence of leader Mullah Mohammad Omar on Saturday are the self-proclaimed cream of the US army.
