U.S. Special Forces In Afghanistan, In Pursuit Of Suspects, Bush Says.(A)

Byline: From IBD News Services

A top Bush administration official Friday said U.S. special forces have already conducted scouting missions in Afghanistan, where suspected terrorists are hiding.

President Bush said the U.S. is "in hot pursuit" of terrorists behind the Sept. 11 attacks that killed about 7,000 people in New York, the Pentagon and the crash of a fourth hijacked plane in Pennsylvania.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the work of U.S. and British forces is a prelude to potential military action. The official denied reports that the forces, deployed in the last few days, are actively seeking prime suspect Osama bin Laden.

In another development, a Bush Cabinet member said Reagan National Airport outside Washington will definitely reopen when a security plan is worked out, despite its proximity to critical government buildings.

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The rapid pace of events came as a delegation of Pakistani religious leaders and government officials pressed the ruling Taliban regime in Afghanistan -- with no sign of success -- to turn over bin Laden, suspected as the mastermind behind the attacks on the Pentagon and New York.