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U.S. forces 'repositioned' in eastern Afghanistan

U.S. service members deployed in Operation Anaconda have faced some of the fiercest fighting since the Afghan campaign began last year.

SUMMARY:

Some 400 U.S. troops returned Sunday to Bagram air base near Kabul, Afghanistan, after fighting in Operation Anaconda, but U.S. officials said the military action in eastern Afghanistan is not over.

"I can confirm that Operation Anaconda is still ongoing in eastern Afghanistan," said Gunnery Sgt. Charles Portman, spokesman for U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida. "It will continue until enemy forces in the region no longer have the capability to operate."

U.S. Army Maj. Bryan Hilferty said the troops were being "repositioned." (Full story)

Operation Anaconda began nine days ago when intelligence indicated that Taliban and al Qaeda forces were gathering near the eastern Afghan city of Gardez to coordinate an attack on Afghanistan's interim government.

Summary Update Key questions Who's who  CNN.COM SPECIAL REPORT  CNN NewsPass Video  Agencies reportedly got hijack tips in 1998  MORE STORIES Intelligence intercept led to Buffalo suspects Report cites warnings before 9/11  EXTRA INFORMATION Timeline: Who Knew What and When? Interactive: Terror Investigation Terror Warnings System Most wanted terrorists What looks suspicious? In-Depth: America Remembers In-Depth: Terror on Tape In-Depth: How prepared is your city?  RESOURCES On the Scene: Barbara Starr: Al Qaeda hunt expands? On the Scene: Peter Bergen: Getting al Qaeda to talk

UPDATE:

Construction of 408 modular units to be used as detention cells will begin Monday at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in anticipation of the arrival of more al Qaeda and Taliban detainees, the commander of the facility said. (Full story)

The Pentagon said Saturday that a list of countries that could be targeted for U.S. nuclear attacks under certain circumstances is a "wide-ranging analysis" mandated by Congress and is not a guide to possible nuclear targets. (Full story)

For the first time, Pakistan's army has seized control of the tribal areas of western Pakistan to ensure remaining al Qaeda and Taliban fighters do not cross the border from Afghanistan. (Full story)

The bodies of two German and three Danish soldiers killed in an ordnance-clearing accident in Afghanistan have arrived home. (Full story)

KEY QUESTIONS:

Will the war on terror result in nuclear weapons proliferation?

How long will Operation Anaconda continue? Does it represent al Qaeda's final stand?

Will the United States need to send more troops into eastern Afghanistan?

WHO'S WHO:

Osama bin Laden: Saudi Arabian-born leader of the al Qaeda terrorist network who is accused of masterminding the September 11 strikes on the United States.

George W. Bush: U.S. president

Donald Rumsfeld: U.S. defense secretary