US forces survive ambush

BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- Attackers firing machine guns ambushed a convoy of U.S. special forces in eastern Afghanistan, prompting a fierce barrage from U.S. troops and coalition aircraft that killed five enemy fighters Wednesday, an Army spokesman said.\nThe ambush, which left no soldiers injured, came as Army officials said intelligence shows al Qaeda or remnants of the ousted Taliban regime could intensify attacks in Afghanistan if the United States launches war on Iraq.\n"We've had indications and intelligence that point to the possibility of the enemy using operations in other theaters like Iraq as a trigger point for attacks," said Col. Roger King, an Army spokesman.\nStill, he said he doubted there would be a "noticeable increase" in attacks in Afghanistan. "Of course, any time you talk about an increased threat, the individual's awareness level goes up," he said of coalition forces, but added there was no increase planned in the security procedures.\nIn Wednesday's ambush, about 20 attackers positioned on mountain ridges fired small arms and machine guns at the convoy near the midway point on its route from Gardez to Khost, King said.\nTwo attackers were captured and taken into custody for questioning, he said. At least five others were confirmed killed, he said, but it appeared the rest had fled.\nThe special forces, who were accompanied by a few Afghan militiamen, called in F-16 fighters and A-10 aircraft as support in a chase and firefight that lasted several hours, King said. He said the planes dropped two 500-pound bombs on suspected enemy positions and fired hundreds of rounds of ammunition.\nIt was not immediately clear who carried out the attack, but U.S. officials believe al Qaeda, Taliban and loyalists of renegade rebel leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar are active in the area.\nThe groups are believed to have joined forces to attack coalition forces and the U.S.-backed government of President Hamid Karzai.\nThe area in eastern Afghanistan is one of the most active and volatile in the war on terror, with attacks on coalition bases and troops nearly a daily occurrence.\nMost attacks involve rockets shot at U.S. bases using crude timers, most of which miss their mark.\nIn one such incident Thursday, a rocket was fired at a coalition base in the eastern city of Asadabad, though no injuries or damage to coalition equipment was reported, King said. A coalition patrol was deployed to investigate, he said.\nTwenty-three nations participate in the U.S.-led coalition fighting the war against terror in Afghanistan from headquarters at Bagram Air Base north of the capital, Kabul.\nSome rank-and-file in Bagram said they believe an Iraq war could work to the advantage of coalition forces if anti-U.S. groups step up attacks, by drawing the enemy fighters out of hiding.\nOther U.S. soldiers said attacks would be more likely in Afghanistan because they are an easier target than the forces in the Persian Gulf. There are about 11,500 coalition troops operating in Afghanistan, but about 300,000 in the Persian Gulf region.\n"If a war breaks out in Iraq, you can pretty much expect more to happen in Afghanistan," said Spc. Luke Wilson of Kingston Springs, Tenn.\n"I'm not worried; we know our stuff," said Wilson, 21. "If something happens, we're gonna step up and take care of business"