Bush Warns Of ‘Comprehensive, Relentless’ War On Terrorism

Oct 07, 2001

WASHINGTON, Sunday - President George W. Bush on Sunday announced that US and British forces had begun attacks on the Taliban rulers and the al-Qaeda network he blames for September 11 terror strikes.

WASHINGTON, Sunday - President George W. Bush on Sunday announced that US and British forces had begun attacks on the Taliban rulers and the al-Qaeda network he blames for September 11 terror strikes. Here are the main points of Bush’s nationally televised address. “On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against Al Qaeda terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan,” especially communications facilities. “We are supported by the collective will of the world.” Bush said Britain took part in Sunday’s attacks and that Canada, Australia, Germany and France had pledged troops. Bush also said that 40 nations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia had granted use of their airspace or landing rights, and shared intelligence. Bush said Sunday’s attacks precluded “sustained, comprehensive and relentless operations to drive them out and bring them to justice.” Bush said the United States would drop food, medicine and other supplies for Afghanistan’s people. “We are the friends of almost a billion worldwide who practice the Islamic faith,” said Bush, adding that terrorists and those who harbour them “profane a great religion by committing murder in its name.” He called the strikes “another front in a war that has already been joined through diplomacy, intelligence, the freezing of finances and the arrests of known terrorists in 38 countries. Bush, saying there was “no neutral ground” in the war, called on the world to choose sides and warned nations that aid terrorists “have become outlaws and murderers themselves. And they will take that lonely path at their own peril.” Bush urged patience with what he has warned will be lengthy campaign and promised the US government was taking “strong precautions” against terrorism at home and “working aggressively” in the US and worldwide. To the US forces, Bush said, “Your mission is defined. The objectives are clear. Your goal is just. You have my full confidence, and you will have every tool you need to carry out your duty.” Ends

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