Obama says US closer than ever to defeating al-Qaeda

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The US is now closer than ever to defeating al-Qaeda and its 'murderous network', President Barack Obama has declared, more than five months after the outfit's chief Osama bin Laden was eliminated by American special commandos.

"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 Friday, marking the 10th anniversary of the American military campaign in Afghanistan.

"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 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.

Obama saluted "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 honour 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.