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  Editorial

  Pakistan Times

KABUL (Afghanistan): US-led forces have launched a new operation in Afghanistan aimed at catching Osama bin Laden and destroying the Taliban's infrastructure.

The operation, codenamed "Mountain Storm", involves around 13,500 American and Pakistani troops backed up by air support.

Special Operations

Special Operations troops and CIA personnel who helped track down Saddam Hussein are also said to be involved, along with the SAS.

The troops are combing the remote and mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan where bin Laden is believed to be hiding.

Defence officials said the initiative was timed to exploit improving weather in the region.

Mountain Storm

It comes after a surge in militant attacks on aid workers as well as Afghan government and allied forces.

Asked if bin Laden would be caught, a US military spokesman said: "The leaders of al Qaeda and the Taliban need to be brought to justice and will be."

But he added: "This operation is aimed like the rest at rebuilding and reconstructing and providing enduring security in Afghanistan."

12 Suspects Killed

Meanwhile, US aircraft attacked a truck carrying 12 suspected Taliban guerrillas in Maruf district of Kandahar province. All were killed.