Aerial Resources Called In To Find Terrorist

The Pentagon is considering beefing up the already enhanced technology U.S. forces are using to search for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden along the mountainous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Troops will start using ground sensors, U-2 spy planes and unmanned Predator drones to monitor the area 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The U.S. military also is examining using the E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, a long-range, air-to-ground surveillance system designed to locate, classify and track in any type of weather. The aircraft has a range of more than 150 miles (250 kilometers) and can receive a video feed from a Predator drone and mark ground targets for attack. The U.S. military also may use the RC-135 Rivet Joint, an aircraft that allows the U.S. military to monitor electronic activity.

Among the various aircraft that will be in place within days are the U-2 spy planes, which fly at 70,000 feet, taking pictures, using radar and intercepting communications. Unmanned Predator drones, flying at 25,000 feet, are equipped with cameras that can spot vehicles and people and special radar that can operate through clouds. Some of the Predators also may carry Hellfire missiles. In addition, ground sensors may be placed along mountain passes to listen for vehicles.

The planes and sensors will send data via satellite to analysts. The U.S. military has bought up satellite transmission capacity in the region, to ensure it can respond quickly. None of the measures are being acknowledged officially.

The U.S. military is counting on constant surveillance of the border region and the "squeeze play" by U.S. and Pakistani forces surrounding the border to present the best chance to net the world's most-wanted terrorist. Pentagon officials said they think bin Laden is hiding along the Pakistan-Afghan border, but they said they do not know the al Qaeda leader's exact location. Top Bush administration officials said they believe that bin Laden may begin to feel the heat from troops now hunting for him and that he might start to move.

When asked if he thought bin Laden would be captured this year,  Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. Central Command said he had no way of knowing. But he claim, "I think that we will make it very painful for al Qaeda between now and the end of the year."

FMI: www.af.mil