January 18, 2002	Friday	Ziqa'ad 3, 1422

WASHINGTON, Jan 17: Pakhtoon leaders in eastern Afghanistan are balking at assisting US forces in clearing caves in the hunt for Osama bin Laden and other Al-Qaeda fighters, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

Citing unnamed US military officials, the newspaper said the Pakhtoon leaders’ unwillingness to cooperate with US special forces leaves them with few allies in the region, where many Taliban and Al-Qaeda soldiers could still be hiding out.

The lack of help makes it more difficult for US forces to accomplish their mission.

“It’s always helpful for someone local to show you the ins and outs,” a military official said.—dpa