<
--------------
STRATFOR.com
--------------
THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
If it’s in the news, it’s too late...
U.S. Attacks Boost Northern Alliance Offensive
October 8, 2001
Summary
U.S. air strikes on the Taliban greatly improve the ability of the opposition Northern Alliance to wage war on the ground. The group appears to be working closely with Washington and will focus its attacks on the northern cities of Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif.
Analysis
In action coinciding with U.S.-led military strikes in Afghanistan, the opposition Northern Alliance launched an assault on Taliban forces from the Bagram air base, just north of Kabul, Oct. 7. Northern Alliance forces fired multiple-rocket launchers at Taliban forces that control the mountains surrounding Bagram, and the Taliban returned rocket fire, according to the Associated Press.
U.S. military strikes on Taliban assets provide an opportunity for the Northern Alliance to gain ground. Working closely with Washington, the opposition can tighten its grip on northern Afghanistan, but it will likely delay occupation of Kabul until U.S. air strikes cease.
The Northern Alliance appears to enjoy relatively close support from Washington. Opposition commanders claim to be in "close contact" with the United States and are supplying ground intelligence, according to Agence France-Presse. Because southern Afghan tribes are still uncertain whether they will oppose the Taliban, the United States will use the Northern Alliance apply military pressure on the Taliban until winter sets in.
(The Rest of the Story)
(c) 2001 Stratfor, Inc.
Dan
U.S. Attacks Boost Northern Alliance Offensive . . .