News digest: Oct. 16, 2001

THE DAY'S EVENTS

• Pakistan's military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharaf, said he hoped the U.S.-led military strikes against Afghanistan would be short, but he pledged his indefinite support to the campaign, despite opposition within his country. Musharaf's comments were made Tuesday during a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who is visiting Pakistan to strengthen support for the U.S.-led strikes against Afghanistan and discuss what shape a future Afghan government might take.

• Powell is traveling to India today, where he will meet with officials in an effort to calm tensions between India and Pakistan. Guerilla violence has been on the rise over the past few weeks in the disputed region of Kashmir.

• The U.S. Capitol has suspended mail service following Monday's announcement that a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle's office tested positive for anthrax. In New York, meanwhile, the seven-month-old son of an ABC News employee was diagnosed with cutaneous anthrax.

• A U.S. special forces gunship joined the military action against Afghanistan for the first time since the strikes began nine days ago. The introduction of the low-flying aircraft signalled an intensification of the airstrikes against Taliban military sites and leaders.