President George W. Bush vowed Saturday that terrorists would be hunted down wherever they "hide, or run, or plan" and assured Americans that the battle would be won so that the "cause of freedom will prevail."
"Our war on terror will be much broader than the battlefields and beachheads of the past," the president said in his weekly radio address. "This war will be fought wherever terrorists hide, or run, or plan."
He stressed that some victories "will be won outside of public view, in tragedies avoided and threats eliminated," including covert military operations.
"Our weapons are military and diplomatic, financial and legal," he added. "We did not seek this conflict, but we will win it. America will act deliberately and decisively, and the cause of freedom will prevail."
The US leader underscored the broad international support for the US campaign to root out terrorism around the world, citing strong support from Russia and Indonesia, among many others.
"America is grateful to the nations that have cut off diplomatic ties with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which is sheltering terrorists," Bush said referring to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
"The United States respects the people of Afghanistan and we are their largest provider of humanitarian aid," he added. "But we condemn the Taliban, and welcome the support of other nations in isolating that regime."
Bush also outlined the steps he had taken during the week in the fight against terrorism, including freezing assets of 27 organizations, individuals, foreign businesses and charities that allegedly support terrorism and increased security at airports.
The United States has said Saudi-born millionaire Osama bin Laden is the "prime suspect" as the mastermind behind the September 11 attacks that left more than 6,000 dead or missing. He is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan, as a "guest" of the ruling Taliban militia -- WASHINGTON (AFP)
