WASHINGTON, Oct 14: US special forces may enter Afghanistan as early as this week to gather intelligence about Osama bin Laden, Newsweek magazine reported in an issue due out on Monday.

However, killing or capturing Osama bin Laden is unlikely to be the goal of the operation, the magazine reported, citing senior military officials.

According to the report, some US military and intelligence officials believe that one of the best ways to find Osama may be a well-placed bribe.

The CIA is trying to pay off local warlords to turn them against the Taliban and guide the Americans to Osama’s lair, the report said.

However, the pursuit is complicated by the fact that some tribal leaders are demanding positions in a future administration along with cash.—AFP