WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Pentagon says al-Qaida still enjoys safe haven in some areas of eastern Afghanistan, and even though its numbers are small, its presence worries the top American commander there.<br />
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Pentagon spokesman Capt. John Kirby says Wednesday that al-Qaida has found places it can plan and train, but he was not specific about its locations. He said elements of the terrorist group move back and forth from Pakistan.<br />
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Kirby was responding to questions about Tuesday's announcement that the U.S.-led NATO force had killed al-Qaida's second-ranking leader in Afghanistan in an airstrike in eastern Kunar province, which borders Pakistan. He says "any number" of al-Qaida in Afghanistan is a matter of concern for Marine Gen. John Allen, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces there.
