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US forces withdraw from mountain battlefield

The United States military says it's secured control over a former al-Qaeda and Taliban stronghold in eastern Afghanistan.

Troops who fought in the snow covered hills for more than a week, have been withdrawn to an Air Base near Kabul, saying they inflicted a heavy toll on the defenders after strong resistance.

Their commander says he's pleased with the progress, but Lisa Millar reports General Tommy Franks will continue the operation:

"Four hundred troops have been moved from the area near Gardez where fighting has been underway for more than a week. But military officials say Operation Anaconda is continuing and the soldiers are being repositioned. The United States has vowed it will keep troops in the area until they find any remaining pockets of al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters. There are now estimates that 800 fighters have been killed over the last week in what's been the biggest battle for the US-led forces so far.

11/03/2002 15:05:58 | ABC Radio Australia News

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