By PAULINE JELINEK
Associated Press Writer
January 28, 2004, 9:33 AM EST
WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon is planning a new offensive to foil the expected movement of Taliban figures and Al-Qaida terrorists in still-troubled regions of Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday.
Defense officials have issued an order alerting troops to the planned "spring offensive" so forces can start working on logistics and getting equipment in place, one official said on condition of anonymity.
Another official declined to discuss what he said might have to be the next step after that -- the possibility that troops would extend operations to the Pakistan side of the border, where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden has long been said to be hiding.
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