'US will disrupt, dismantle and destroy al-Qaeda'

Washington, Mar 29: US president Barack Obama on Sunday, Mar 28 reiterated his administration's commitment to war against terror and vowed to destroy al-Qaeda and all its allies.

Addressing US soldiers at the Bagram airfield, Obama said, “We are going to disrupt and dismantle, defeat and destroy al—Qaeda and its extremist allies. That is our mission. And to accomplish that goal, our objectives here in Afghanistan are also clear: We"re going to deny al—Qaeda safe haven. We"re going to reverse the Taliban"s momentum.

Recalling 9/11 in his address, he said, “Plots against our homeland, plots against our allies, plots against the Afghan and Pakistani people are taking place as we speak right here."

“If this region slides backwards, if the Taliban retakes this country and al—Qaeda can operate with impunity, then more American lives will be at stake. The Afghan people will lose their chance at progress and prosperity. And the world will be significantly less secure," he added.

Obama made a surprise visit to Kabul and met President Hamid Karzai. Karzai was assured of US support in strengthening the capacity of Afghan forces and the Afghan government so that they could win over people's confidence again.

The president also informed that his Afghan policy included civilian effort which aimed to improve daily lives of Afghans, combat corruption, and ties with Pakistan.

Oneindia News