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Terror Pockets Remain U.S. Concern; Yemen, U.S. Talk Cooperation
Friday, March 1, 2002
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Many Al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan, including some in U.S. custody, are from Yemen.

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
The primary mission in Afghanistan remains to eliminate the pockets of Al Qaeda and Taliban that are trying to regroup, Pentagon officials said Mar. 1.

Air Force Brig. Gen. John Rosa, briefer from the Joint Staff, said U.S. Central Command has located pockets of Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters near Gardez in Paktia province. He said the fighters numbered in the hundreds. They are under observation by coalition officials and will be dealt with when Central Command chief Army Gen. Tommy Franks gives the word.

Defense officials are discussing what the extent and level of cooperation will be between the United States and Yemen. The two countries have been working closely on arrangements, but the plans are not yet final, Pentagon spokeswoman Torie Clarke said.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

Dan