LAPD declares 'tactical alert' after strikes

NBC4.TV

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 - Los Angeles police went on tactical alert after President Bush announced that the United States and Great Britain attacked military targets and terrorist training camps in Afghanistan today.

The city also activated its Emergency Operations Center, but there were no reports of terrorist-related incidents in Los Angeles, said Los Angeles police Lt. Horace Frank.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also activated its own Emergency Operations Center at 11:30 a.m., said Deputy David Cervantes.

The LAPD tactical alert -- which means that one shift of officers is held over into the next watch -- was declared at 10:15 a.m., said LAPD Officer LaDonna Cissell.

When asked how long the alert would be in effect, Frank said: "As long as necessary."

First phase of military attacks

The attacks in Afghanistan are the first military strikes by the United States since the Sept. 11 terrorist strikes on the East Coast, widely believed to have been ordered by Osama bin Laden.

Bush said today's actions were the first phase of "relentless" military operations against Afghanistan -- an operation dubbed "Enduring Freedom."

The ruling Taliban in Afghanistan -- who have given shelter to Bin Laden and the terrorist network he runs, al-Qaida -- have refused demands to turn him over to American authorities.

"On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against al- Qaida terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan," Bush said.

"These carefully targeted actions are designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations," the president said, "and to attack the military capability of the Taliban regime.

"We're joined in this operation by our staunch friend, Great Britain," Bush said. "Other close friends -- including Canada, Australia, Germany and France -- have pledged forces as the operation unfolds."

Details of the attack

Pentagon officials said U.S. and British forces launched 50 cruise missiles against targets in Afghanistan. The operation also involved sorties by at least 40 land- or sea-based aircraft. Missiles reportedly were fired from one British submarine.

The major television networks reported that there have been huge explosions in or near the Afghan capital of Kabul, and elsewhere in the country.

"More than 40 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and across Asia have granted air transit or landing rights," Bush said. "Many more have shared intelligence. We are supported by the collective will of the world."

The president said he gave the Taliban leaders more than two weeks ago "a series of clear and specific demands," including to close terrorist training camps and to hand over the al-Qaida leaders.

"None of these demands were met," said Bush. "And now, the Taliban will pay a price."

Bush promised that the United States and its allies would carry out "relentless operations" to drive the terrorists out of their hiding place and to bring them to justice.

He said "the oppressed people of Afghanistan will know the generosity of America and our allies.

"As we strike military targets, we will also drop food, medicine and supplies to the starving and suffering men and women and children of Afghanistan," Bush continued. "The United States of America is a friend to the Afghan people. And we are the friends of almost a billion worldwide who practice the Islamic faith. The United States of America is an enemy of those who aid terrorists and of the barbaric criminals who profane a great religion by committing murder in its name."

Peace Gatherings scheduled

A number of peace gatherings are expected to be held in the Southland this afternoon, including a 1 p.m. demonstration outside the Federal Building in Westwood.

At 5 p.m., peace rallies are expected to be held outside the Federal Buildings in Westwood and in downtown Los Angeles.

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001