Washington: The US is closer than ever in
defeating al Qaeda and its "murderous network", President
Barack Obama said on Friday as he honoured those killed since
America launched a campaign to eliminate Taliban in
Afghanistan 10 years ago.
"In delivering justice to Osama bin Laden and many
other al Qaeda leaders, we are closer than ever to defeating
al Qaeda and its murderous network," Obama said on the
occasion of 10th anniversary of the American attack on
Afghanistan following 9/11.
"Despite the enormous challenges that remain in
Afghanistan, we`ve pushed the Taliban out of its key
strongholds, Afghan security forces are growing stronger, and
the Afghan people have a new chance to forge their own
future," said the US President.
The US is responsibly ending wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
"from a position of strength", Obama said
"We`ve fought alongside Afghans, and close friends
and allies from dozens of nations who have joined us in common
purpose," he said.
In Afghanistan and beyond, the US has shown that
the US is not and never will be at war with Islam and that it
is are a partner with those who seek justice, dignity and
opportunity.
"Ten years ago today, in response to the 9/11
terrorist attacks, our nation went to war against al Qaeda and
its Taliban protectors in Afghanistan," Obama said.
He saluted "the more than half a million men and women
who have served bravely in Afghanistan to keep our country
safe, including our resilient wounded warriors who carry the
scars of war, seen and unseen."
"We honor the memory of the nearly 1,800 American
patriots, and many coalition and Afghan partners, who have
made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan for our shared
security and freedom.
"We pay tribute to our inspiring military families
who have persevered at home with a loved one at war," said the
US President.
He thanked the diplomats and law enforcement officers who
served since the war in Afghanistan began.
"We are grateful to our tireless diplomats and
intelligence, homeland security and law enforcement
professionals who have worked these ten years to protect our
country and save American lives," he said in his statement.
PTI
