8 October 2001: US launches air strikes against Taleban

The United States has begun its military campaign, Operation Enduring Freedom, against al-Qaeda and the Taleban in Afghanistan. Cruise missiles and bombers have targeted the airports of Kandahar and Kabul and terrorist training camps near Jalalabad. The attacks which began around 1630 GMT were quickly followed by a public broadcast from President Bush who promised a "sustained and relentless" campaign. The Taleban has condemned the strikes and says it shot down a plane, a claim denied by the Americans. Up to 50 cruise missiles are reported to have been launched from submarines in the Arabian Sea. The US also flew in B52 bombers stationed on the island of Diego Garcia, and B2 Stealth bombers direct from the US itself.