President Bush has told the American people the military attacks in Afghanistan are part of a sustained, comprehensive and relentless anti-terrorism campaign.
President Bush announced the start of the operation at the White House, saying the United States will not waver, falter or fail in the campaign.
Mr. Bush said Afghanistan's ruling Taleban will pay the price for refusing to meet U-S demands, including surrendering Osama bin Laden, the Saudi dissident blamed for the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States.
Mr. Bush said the carefully-targeted action is focusing on terrorist camps linked to Osama bin Laden and military positions of the Taleban. He said the military campaign is aimed at barbaric criminals who defame Islam by killing in its name.
Mr. Bush said that by destroying camps and disrupting communications, the campaign will make it more difficult for Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network to train recruits and coordinate its evil plans.
The president said that, at the same time, the United States will be dropping food and humanitarian supplies to Afghan civilians.
Mr. Bush said the campaign today focuses on Afghanistan, but he said the battle is broad and all nations must make clear whether they are against terrorism. He said several close allies have pledged forces as the operation unfolds and the United States is supported by the collective will of the world.
The announcement came shortly after witnesses in the Afghan, capital, Kabul, reported large explosions.