Bush Launches Financial Strike Against Terrorist Networks

Sept. 24 -- As U.S. forces move into position near Afghanistan, the Bush administration announced it has dealt its first blow against Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network in the form of financial pressure.

"At 12:01 this morning a major thrust of our war on terrorism began with a stroke of a pen," President Bush said today from the White House Rose Garden. "We launched a strike on the global terrorist network."

Bush signed an executive order naming 27 specific terrorists and terrorist groups and granting the United States broad authority to seize all assets of those suspected in playing a role in the attacks. The order also promises to freeze U.S. assets of any government that does not cooperate in the cause to lock up all assets linked to terrorists.

Report: Bin Laden Calls for Action

Meanwhile, bin Laden — the main target of the financial order — reportedly released his own call to action today through Qatar's Al-Jazeera satellite television network. The message calls upon Pakistan's Muslims to fight against "the American crusade."

"I announce to you, our beloved brothers, that we are steadfast on the path of jihad [holy war] with the heroic, faithful Afghan people, under the leadership of Mullah Mohammed Omar," announcers said, reading from a statement they say was written by bin Laden. Omar is the leader of Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia,which has harbored bin Laden since 1996 and has refused U.S. demands to turn over the indicted terrorist.

In Cairo, Sheik Ali Tantawi, of Al Az'har Mosque — an influential religious authority in the Arab world — reportedly issued a fatwa, or ruling, against joining a U.S. coalition and attacking Afghanistan or any other country without material evidence of bin Laden's involvement in the attacks.

Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell confirmed today the government is preparing a report detailing evidence that will prove bin Laden was behind the attacks, but much of that report may remain secret.

"As we are able to provide information that isn't sensitive and isn't classified, we will do that," Powell told reporters from the Rose Garden.

Financial Front Broadened

Previously, only direct assets of alleged terrorists have been frozen. Under the new order, assets of supporters of terrorists may also be frozen. The United States will also freeze the assets of charities that are believed to have ties to terrorists, under the order. So far three such charities have been specified by the order but Bush said more will be named and added to the list in the near future.