Al-Qaeda planning to target India: Gates

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday warned India about the possibility of it facing more terror strikes from Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Gates who is visiting India, told the media persons: "The LeT which is operating in league with al-Qaeda is dangerous for the whole region of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India."

Gates said terror groups were planning more attacks on India to destablise the country and only cooperation among all the countries will lead to the reduction and if possible elimination of the threat.

"It is important to recognise that there is threat in the entire region from the Al-Qaeda and it has been identified that the area of Afghanistan and Pakistan border is a safe haven for these terrorist groups," he said

"It is the Qaeda along with the Taliban that is acting in Afghanistan. The Tehreek-e-Taliban is focusing on Pakistan and the Qaeda along with the LeT is focusing on not only Pakistan but also on India," Gates added.

Recognising this as a complicated situation he said, "The situation is complicated in the region. The terrorists operations intend to destablise the region and a 26/11 type of attack on India will test New Delhi's patience.

" It is important for us to recognise the magnitude of the threat and try to reduce and eliminate the threat from the region. This requires maximum cooperation amongst us," he added. (ANI)