WASHINGTON (voa) – A top U.S. defense official says that after the war in Afghanistan, the United States may turn its attention to denying terrorist groups sanctuary in places like Somalia, Yemen, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz told the New York Times newspaper that the Pentagon is currently engaged with friendly countries, such as the Philippines, which would welcome U.S. help in their fight against terrorist groups within their borders. He said the United States also is looking at possible terrorist bases in Somalia and Yemen.
Mr. Wolfowitz also told the newspaper that the Pentagon had not ruled out military action against Iraq.
The deputy defense secretary said America’s devastating military campaign in Afghanistan had already persuaded many nations to stop their support of terrorism. But he said Iraq has shown no signs of opposing terrorism.
President Bush said in a speech Tuesday at the University of New Hampshire that the war on terrorism aims to secure a peaceful future. He said the United States will not relent until justice is done.
