Af-Pak border still epi-center of Qaeda activities

Washington, Jan 11: Refuting speculation of sending US troops to Yemen, US president Barack Obama said that it was keen on working with international partners across the world to ensure the safety of Americans.

"I have every intention of working with our international partners in lawless areas around the globe to make sure that we're keeping the American people safe," Obama said in magazine interview.

Obama said that he had no intention of sending US troops in Yemen, adding that working with international partners will be the key to solve complex situation like that of Yemen and Somalia.

"I never rule out any possibility in a world that is this complex... In countries like Yemen, in countries like Somalia, I think working with international partners is most effective at this point," he said.

Obama's declaration came after Yemen was asked by US to take stringent action against al-Qaeda, after the group claimed responsibility behind the foiled Christmas eve US plane attack.

He alleged that Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to be the epi-center of al-qaeda activities.

"The border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains the epicentre of al Qaeda,"

In Afghanistan, the number of US troops will increase to 100,000 in 2010, to break the al-Qaeda stronghold in the region and also against those who have reportedly taken refuge in neighbouring Pakistan.

OneIndia News