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Summary Pentagon chief Panetta says September 1 attacks were planned in Pakistan
Pentagon chief Leon Panetta said Wednesday that the US would continue to attack Al-Qaeda in Pakistan following the killing of the groups number two Abu Yahya al-Libi.We have made it very clear that we are going to continue to defend ourselves, Secretary of Defence Panetta said when asked about drone strikes in Pakistan during a trip to India.He said the sovereignty of the United States was also at stake because the militants who planned the September 11 attacks were in Pakistans tribal areas.The leadership of those who were involved in planning this attack are located in Pakistan, in the FATA, he said.Defense Secretary said that the US and India must work to overcome deep differences with Pakistan to bolster peace and security in South Asia.Panetta is meeting with Indian leaders Tuesday and Wednesday and says he has urged them to provide additional support to Afghanistan, including trade, reconstruction and assistance for the Afghan security forces.His visit here comes as US tensions with Pakistan, Indias archrival, continue to fray, strained by persistent CIA drone attacks against insurgents inside Pakistans borders. His speech struck a conciliatory tone but also acknowledged the rocky relations with Pakistan.He said he welcomed steps that India and Pakistan have taken to normalize trade relations as a way to help Pakistan counter extremism within its borders.
