2001 Search for Taliban, Bin Laden
Search Continues for Taliban, Al Qaeda Terrorists
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (NNS) — The United States continues its search for Al Qaeda and Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan, Department of Defense officials said Dec. 27.
U.S. forces struck one target in the country with both guided and unguided bombs, said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard Myers.
B-52s and AC-130s hit the Tori Khel compound near Ghazni in eastern Afghanistan. “We had reports that put some of the Taliban leadership in that facility,” Myers said.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the United States is making preparations to hold Al Qaeda and Taliban detainees at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He said there are no plans to hold military tribunals. Currently 45 Al Qaeda and Taliban detainees are under U.S. control in Kandahar and aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5).
Rumsfeld said coalition forces have conflicting reports about Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Rumsfeld refused to comment on specific rumors. “We hear six, seven, eight, 10, 12 conflicting reports every day,” he said in answer to a reporter’s question. “I’ve stopped chasing (the reports).”
“We do know of certain knowledge that (Osama bin Laden) is either in Afghanistan, or some other country or dead,” the secretary deadpanned.
He said even if the United States captured bin Laden, the problem of global terrorism would not go away. Someone in the organization would take over. “Clearly, it’s our goal to find them and chase them, wherever they are,” he said, “including bin Laden, (Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad) Omar and their lieutenants and their leaders, as well as the people who are assisting them.”
Rumsfeld said the face-off between India and Pakistan concerns the Bush administration. Pakistan has “not yet” pulled troops away from the Afghan border in support of movements aimed at India. “That is very encouraging to us … because they are performing an important task,” he said.
Another set of problems could erupt if the situation between the two countries intensifies. Pakistan might need the bases now being used by U.S. service members. Pakistan or India may have to deny overflight rights.
“This is something we are keeping our eye on very carefully, and we have clearly made the interest we have in this subject known to both sides very carefully and with clarity,” he said.
By Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) — A Navy SEAL who commanded some of the world’s elite Special Operations Forces (SOF) in Afghanistan during the initial phases of Operation Enduring Freedom received Germany’s Silver Cross of Honor in a ceremony Aug. 12.
Capt. Robert Harward, commander of San Diego’s Naval Special Warfare Group One (CNSWG-1), was awarded Germany’s 2nd highest military medal for his actions as the Commander of Combined Joint Special Operations South Afghanistan (Task Force K-Bar). Dubbed the “SOF Olympics” by operators in Qandahar, TF K-BAR not only included SOF from the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force, but also commandos from Germany and six other countries.
Harward was presented the medal by Hermann Zillgens, Honorary Counsel of the Federal Republic of Germany. In a proclamation read at the ceremony, Harward was praised as “a leader who consistently demands a high level of performance from his subordinates, without losing sight of their safety. He devoted his attention to all his soldiers of his multinational troops without making distinctions.”
He was further commended for his expertise and diplomatic tact in working together with coalition partners. His thorough preparation of missions and special concern for the warriors in his care contributed to their successful completion of German national requirements.
“Commodore Harward’s recognition as leader of a multinational force is demonstrable proof that our coalition partners are united in our fight against terrorism,” said the Navy’s top SEAL, Rear Adm. Bert Calland, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command.
While other Navy SEAL and SOF units assisted Afghan forces in removing the Taliban government from power, TF K-Bar commandos primarily waged the “war on terrorism” by destroying the al Qaeda infrastructure in Afghanistan and disrupting its ability to conduct terrorist operations.
During searches of cave and village enclaves in Southern and Eastern Afghanistan, TF K-BAR coalition forces collected valuable intelligence and captured suspected al Qaeda and Taliban prisoners while conducting combat operations. TF K-Bar forces also orchestrated extensive strategic reconnaissance, conducted Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and performed at-sea Leadership Interdiction Operations (LIO) in the search for terrorists trying to escape by ship.
Harward’s leadership ensured success not only against enemy forces, but also among the coalition troops.
According to the proclamation, “due to Captain Harward’s leadership, German soldiers enjoyed unreserved acceptance within the international community and gained very high respect among other special operations forces.” In addition to working extensively with U.S. Navy SEALs in Afghanistan, German forces were engaged in combat operations for the first time since World War II.
“I’m really honored to receive this award,” said Harward. “It was a pleasure having our German counterparts as part of this operation. I’d work with these guys again anytime.”