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AS the combined might of the British and the American forces finally unleashed their fury on the terrorist networks hidden inside Afghanistan it emerged bases in the area were playing a vital in the assault.

Following the tragic events of September 11 which horrified the world, America and Britain have joined forces to execute a precise bombing campaign aimed at bringing Osama Bin Laden’s al-Qaida terrorist campaign to it’s knees.

The campaign, codenamed Enduring Freedom, is also targeting the Taliban government for harbouring and supporting chief suspect Bin Laden.

American Aircrews from RAF Mildenhall have joined the operation in the Middle East, and 15 planes left RAF Lakenheath on Monday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for the Mildenhall base this week confirmed that aircraft had been deployed to support the joint American and British operation over Afghanistan. She would nor give any further details.

Hicham Kwreder, 48, secretary of the Cambridge Muslim Centre, said: “We just hope the bombing stops before too many innocent people die.

“We hope something will come to bring a swift end to the war and we are praying for peace.”

He said that most Muslims recognised that air strikes against Afghanistan were inevitable.

“Muslims in Cambridge are just continuing their everyday lives. No-one has any interest in extremist claims that this war has anything to do with Islam,” he added.

The air strikes were condemned by more than 300 campaigners, who marched through Cambridge on Saturday.

John Hipkin, CamPeace spokesman said: “I’m deeply shocked that military action was as extensive and intense as it was.

“We thought if it did happen, attacks would be specifically targeted at Bin Laden and his associates. We fear this is the beginning of something which will be difficult to control.”

CAPTION: A US fighter jet, taking off from an aircraft carrier in the Middle East, earlier this week. Picture courtesy of Associated Press.