BBC. 7 October 2001. US begins attack.

The United States has begun its military operation in Afghanistan.

"We are beginning another front in our war against terrorism," White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said.

There were reports of loud explosions in the Afghan capital Kabul and electricity supplies are also said to have been cut in the city.

US President George Bush is to address the nation shortly, and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will speak immediately afterwards.

Meanwhile, the Taleban says it has sent 8,000 troops to its border with Uzbekistan, which has given the US access to an air base for its anti-terrorism campaign.

The US administration has repeatedly rejected Taleban offers to bargain over the fate of its guest, Saudi-born militant Osama Bin Laden.