WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama has said the international military alliance has made significant progress in war-torn Afghanistan.

But despite the progress made, he said, it was still critically important for thousands of trainers and advisers supporting the Afghan military efforts there.

America’s combat role in Afghanistan was over, but the world had to make sure the Afghans were getting the kind of assistance they needed, he stressed.

In a conversation with US troops deployed around the world, the president claimed they had done an incredible job in dismantling the core Al Qaeda network in Pakistan’s tribal region.

A transcript from the Department of Defence quoted Obama as saying: “They (Al Qaeda) still pose a threat, but it is much diminished.”

In 2011 when US commandos were ordered to raid Osama Bin Laden’s residence in Abbottabad, Obama said he was only half sure the most wanted man was hiding there. (Pajhwok)