US steps up ground offensive

New cracks emerged in the US political unity behind the war on terrorism last night, after allied troops engaged in the largest ground offensive since attacks in Afghanistan began.
US bombers yesterday continued to pound a mountain range in eastern Afghanistan for the third day running, using recently developed thermobaric bombs which are designed to create suffocating blasts in cave complexes.
Video footage released by the US military showed large plumes of thick black smoke billowing from caves. Officials said fighting in Paktia province was likely to continue for the next couple of days.