Illinois politicians express resolve

CHICAGO -- Security at Chicago airports was further tightened Sunday in the wake of airstrikes by the United States and Great Britain in Afghanistan, and Illinois politicians expressed resolve in the war against terrorism.

"Enhanced security measures were put in place at noon today" to complement existing measures at O'Hare International and Midway airports, said Chicago Department of Aviation spokeswoman Monique Bond.

Bond would not say what specifically was being done. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast, members of the National Guard were posted at airports and other precautions put in place.

Gov. George Ryan released a statement saying that the president has formed a powerful alliance for the fight for freedom and against the forces of terrorism.

"The military mission to strike at the heart of darkness has begun," Ryan said, adding: that "we will pray for the brave men and women of our fighting forces and for this country."

The American and British forces targeted military installations and Osama bin Laden's training camps inside Afghanistan, trying to hit the terrorists blamed for the attacks that killed thousands in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Strikes called decisive

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., said the airstrikes were decisive and likely effective because the military took time planning them.

Kirk, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, told WLS-AM in Chicago the action was taken to reduce the effectiveness of Afghanistan's air defense network.

Kirk said he felt that if there was no response to the terrorist attacks, the country would eventually be hit with chemical, biological, and even nuclear weapons.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., told WLS-AM that Americans should be ready for some kind of response.