US troops in Afghanistan have started hunting down Al Qaeda leader Jalaluddin Haqqani's terrorist network in eastern Afghanistan, as insurgent attacks on US Army outposts continue to cause US casualties, CBS News has reported.The CIA once courted Haqqani, one of America's most wanted men. Now, he's accused of killing American soldiers. A local tribal leader, Haqqani allegedly operates from his safe haven in Pakistan. During their targeted missions, soldiers are after the bomb makers and their materials. So far, US forces have uncovered four weapons caches and detained around seven suspects. Even if some missions turn up with nothing, it's still a show of force in the heart of Haqqani territory.
"You know when you are fighting Haqqani," said Lt Col Rob Campbell, "Based on the size of the force and how committed they are and how close they'll get up to you and fight you."
As winter begins to take hold, the US military believes many Haqqani fighters in eastern Afghanistan will head to Pakistan for more training. As the traditional fighting season ends, however, US soldiers now have to start a different mission - convincing Haqqani's tribesmen to turn their backs on their leader and put their weapons down.