The real war on terrorism starts only after the bombing ends. Preparing the way for that offensive, U.S. warplanes bombed Taliban airfields and military headquarters for a second night. The aerial assault also hit suspected terrorist training camps and some small concentrations of fighters across Afghanistan, U.S. officials said. The air strikes, which could continue for another few days, are mainly designed to secure Afghan skies. U.S. military planners also hope the pounding will rout suspected terrorists from their hiding places - much like stirring up an anthill - and spark defections from the ruling Taliban militia. Small units of U.S. commandos are probably already inside Afghanistan, trying to buy or bully information on Osama bin Laden's whereabouts.

Once the skies are secured and the U.S. has better intelligence in hand, additional U.S. will be ferried into Afghanistan by helicopter to hunt down bin Laden and his top aides, U.S. defence officials said. Bureau Report