America tonight ordered more than 100 aircraft to bases within striking distance of Afghanistan in the first indication of action being taken against the country.
A force of the most advanced fighters and bombers in the world, backed by spy planes and flying tankers, was ordered to fly to the American bases in the Gulf.
They will join a massive American strike force already deployed on two aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean.
The deployment came after the White House warned the ruling Taliban that there would be "no negotiation" over the demand that they hand over suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin laden.
And some of the force will be in position tomorrow, raising tension in Afghanistan and apparently increasing the likelihood of early action against the Islamic fundamentalist regime.
White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer said it is time for action and not negotiation with the Taliban.
Taking to the air will be fighters and bombers, including F-15s and F-16s, which are among the most advanced in the world.
So-called stealth bombers, B1s, will also be part of the force put within striking distance of Afghanistan while it will be backed by U2 spy planes, flying tankers and AWACS reconnaissance planes, as well as ground support staff.
The move means cruise missiles, which are carried by B1s and by B52 bombers, could be deployed against the Taliban and bin Laden, who was attacked with the devices in 1998 by then president Mr Clinton.
The two aircraft carriers already in the area have a total strike force of 150 naval planes, while the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier which is one of the biggest in the world, left port in Norfolk, Virginia today.
It was headed for the Mediterranean. From there it would only have to steam through the Suez Canal to reach striking distance of Afghanistan.
So far, there have been no reports of troops being deployed, although the National Guard and 35,000 reservists have been called up to help "homeland defence".
The move came as the White House hinted British Prime Minister Mr Blair will be asked for military aid in the campaign when he meets President George Bush for talks in Washington tomorrow.
Speaking ahead of Mr Blair's visit, Mr Fleischer said: "I'm not going to indicate what military actions we will request."