Top U.S. military commander shows concern about synergy among terrorist groups

Terrorist groups are operating more closely with one another, posing an increasing threat to the global security, top U.S. military commander said in a recent interview.

"I'm increasingly concerned about the synergy among terrorist groups in that region (Southwest Asia) and their expanding desire to kill as many Americans -- and not just Americans -- as they can, " Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a recent interview which was published Tuesday on the website of U.S. Defense Department.

Terrorist groups are operating more closely with one another, not just in Southwest Asia, but also with men charged in recent attempted terrorist attacks in Detroit and New York, he added.

Mullen just concluded a trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Israel, which he called "a trip of reassurance," following the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, who was ousted after making disparaging remarks of senior Obama administration officials.

The commander said he met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who he said was reassured that the leadership transition will be smooth.

"I wanted to make sure we are staying focused on the mission, and I report back that clearly all the people I saw were."

Mullen said that operations in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, are ongoing, and results won't be apparent until the end of the year. He also noted that while security remains a challenge in Marja, where U.S. and NATO forces having mounted a major push against Taliban earlier this year, "steady progress" has continued.

Mullen restated his support for starting withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in July 2011, because he believed it creates a sense of urgency in the Afghan government to take control.

Source: Xinhua