DATE=3/18/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=AFGHAN/ATTACK (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-287694

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

EDS: REPRINTING WITH SLUG.

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S forces have attacked and killed 16 suspected al-Qaida fighters in a convoy attempting to flee a battle area in eastern Afghanistan. V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida reports.

TEXT: Pentagon officials say the attack was on a convoy of three vehicles. In addition to the dead, one suspected al-Qaida fighter was wounded and a further person was detained. A fourth vehicle was not attacked because it apparently contained non-combatants.

The incident occurred about 100 kilometers south of Gardez, just beyond the area where U-S, Afghan and other coalition forces are wrapping up a two-week-long operation aimed at wiping out a major concentration of al-Qaida hold-outs.

The group targeted in Sunday's attack was apparently trying to escape from the battle zone. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/SAB