And he said the next few days could prove to be a turning point for the American-led operation.

It was the first food actually delivered to the hungry under the protection of the American-led military operation in Somalia.

For the time being, the hard-line opposition to the American-led military operation in Somalia is mostly talk.

For this new American-led operation, the proof of success is simple: Will the Kurds return?

An American-led international military operation to feed the hungry and restore order began in December 1992.

Mr. Bush vows that the American-led military operation will end quickly, but has said nothing about what comes afterward.

As ominous, last week's events call into question the whole future of the American-led operation to protect the Kurdish enclave.

The American-led military operation is responsible for providing overall security through Iraq, but specific protection depends on the cargo, area and threat level, officers said.

But the official said the analysis predicted "a mixed reaction" to the American-led operations.

The continued resistance represents a new stage of the American-led operation here.