TO CATCH the most wanted fugitive ever, who has evaded Uncle Sam’s dragnet, United States officials are believed to have started groundwork for a final push on the Afghan-Pakistan border to capture Osama Bin Laden.

 

Latest intelligence reports coming from Pakistan said that top officials of the United States have started holding meetings with chieftains of Mamoond tribe in Asadabad, capital of Kunar province bordering Bajaur Agency.

 

This is being done to take the chiefs into confidence along with their followers, as they are believed to have soft corner for Laden and his brand of Jihad. The support and cooperation from the tribal chiefs, the US officials know, could be the key towards achieving their goal of arresting the Al-Qaeda chief.

 

Top sources in Pakistan have informed that US has been seeking help from the Mamoond tribals as they are of the view that Al Qaeda chief is hiding in the area.

 

US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, during his visit to Asadabad held meetings with some important maliks and elders of Mamoond tribe, besides negotiation with governor of Kunar province Fazlullah Wahedi.

 

It is pertinent to note that US intelligence and security officials believe that Al Qaeda militants based in Bajaur, plan and execute attacks on US and Afgan troops in Afghanistan.

 

The position of the Mamoond tribesmen becomes crucial due to the fact that they inhabit both sides of the border, including Bajaur agency and Kunar province.

 

Reports also indicate that United States has built a strong base in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.

 

A fortnight back, 20 Taliban rebels were killed and several wounded when Afghan and US forces attacked a militant hideout in Kunar province. The coalition forces have shifted latest equipment to their base near Ghakhi, a border town.