<Afghans cheer as US jets hit Taliban
By Julius Strauss in Julum Khor, northern Afghanistan
(Filed: 31/10/2001)

THE Kukcha estuary was a picture of bucolic charm late yesterday afternoon. The water swirled and eddied over stony shoals, catching the soft autumn light. On the bank tiny, unshod boys rode bareback on spirited ponies.

'A jet, a jet': Northern Alliance fighters spot an American warplane as they cross the Kukcha river yesterday

The ferrymen, who run a service with half a dozen small rafts made from the inner tubes of lorries tied to wooden frames, were chatting lazily.

Suddenly the peace was shattered as a sharp-eyed youth shouted and pointed at the sky. To the east a tiny gun-metal object was moving rapidly below the high cirrus clouds.

As we watched, the jet rolled on to its back then rolled again, as if the pilot was showing off his prowess. Then a small missile fell in a perfect arc. It disappeared into a cloud bank. Two seconds passed. Then, from the murky ridgeline in the distance, there was a bright orange flash.

Smoke billowed from the spot and the men and children of the Kukcha turned to stare. "It hit, it hit," one said excitedly. "Thank you, America," said another, dancing for joy. For the people of Mawara-e-Kukcha, which comprises the four provinces along the river, yesterday was a day to celebrate.



Afghans cheer

Nice to know we are making some people happy.