US seeks Bases in Neighboring Countries

US military teams scouted for airfields close to Afghanistan on Tuesday. Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Stufflebeem said the teams were checking positions in Tajikistan and other countries in the region. They will determine whether these could serve as bases and help increase the intensity of raids by American warplanes.

"Closer access to Afghanistan is good for a lot of reasons: release or relief from requirements for a lot of tanking, shorter times for response, faster abilities to turn aircraft around, to do resupply missions, et cetera," said Stufflebeem.

The US military campaign entered its 31st day on Tuesday.