Afghan Cave Search Comes Up Empty

BAGRAM, Afghanistan –– U.S. troops swept onto a mountain ridge near the Pakistani border, ready to face perhaps dozens of al-Qaida or Taliban fighters. But they found only caves and buildings that had not been lived in for weeks.

The search left soldiers who returned Monday to Bagram air base wondering if there is anyone left to fight in the field in eastern Afghanistan.

"We were at least hoping to find, if not people there, at least information about people or some of their equipment," Cpl. Sam Watkins said. "Something to show that we did something."