Introduction
By the end of December 2001, the Northern Alliance, backed by American airpower and Special Forces had managed to drive the Taliban from power. Taliban and al-Qaeda forces fled into the mountains of Afghanistan, hoping the rugged terrain and cold weather would let them reorganize their forces and fight back. In late February 2002, Taliban and al-Qaeda forces began to regroup in the Shah-I-Kot valley in southern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. The United States responded by launching Operation Anaconda. Helicopters carried American forces into the mountains in an effort to surround the enemy forces. During the fighting, American troops landing on the mountain Takur Ghar were ambushed, and several were killed. The United States responded by sending in Army Rangers to rescue the Americans trapped on the mountain. This special report by the Washington Post tells story of their struggle to rescue their comrades and defeat the enemy. It describes the difficult nature of the war in Afghanistan and the determination and heroism of America's soldiers.

Destination Title: A Wintry Ordeal at 10,000 Feet

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Directions
Start at the A Wintry Ordeal at 10,000 Feet Web site.

• Read through the article presented, and then answer the following questions. You do not need to click the Page Two link at the end of the article.

Use the information you have learned to answer the following questions.