U.S. Attacks Kandahar with AC-130 Gunship
Monday October 15 8:05 PM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military on Monday attacked Afghan targets around the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar with an Air Force Special Forces AC-130 gunship, one of the most devastating weapons in America's air arsenal, a senior defense official said.

The official, who asked not to be identified, said it was the first time the four-engine turbo-prop aircraft had been used in the nine-day air campaign against Taliban military and guerrilla training camps in Afghanistan.

``It lays down withering fire,'' said the official, who declined to say exactly what target the aircraft, which is operated by Air Force Special Forces troops, was used against.