<

Pentagon Admits bin Laden Could Use Chopper or Donkey to Escape
Thursday, November 15, 2001
(18:08)
Ananova

The US Defence Secretary says it's "not beyond the realm of possibility" Osama bin Laden may escape Afghanistan in a helicopter.

His comment follows reports in a New York newspaper that the Pentagon believes he may be planning such an escape.

Donald Rumsfeld says it's also possible he could escape using a "donkey, mule, horse or truck".

But he says the US will still find him whether he is in Afghanistan or another country.

Mr Rumsfeld says the power of the Taliban is in decline, adding: "It is not a good time in Afghanistan to be part of the Taliban."

The Pentagon says the destruction of the Al-Qaida network and Taliban is still its main aim.

General Tommy Franks says using conventional forces will remain an option in the conflict, adding special forces are already on the ground in small numbers.

While the Taliban appears to be retreating, General Franks says its fighting forces haven't been destroyed.

Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, he said the US led coalition will do all it can to "eliminate" those forces. He added they are "tightening the noose" and setting the conditions to meet their aims.
(More: Ananova.com News Source)
2001 © Ananova.

Dan