Obama – ‘Terrorism cannot be completely eliminated’

somalia-terroristsUS President Barack Obama has warned that terrorism is never going to be completely eradicated and it is an on-going process to combat the threat from smaller regional organisations.

Last week, his administration made the decision to temporarily close 22 US embassies amid potential threats posed by the terror group’s Yemen-based branch, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

The President did admit in a TV interview with NBC’s Jay Leno the latest terrorism threats were “significant enough” to warrant closing the diplomatic posts and issuing a worldwide travel alert.

In a White House press conference, Obama stated the closing of embassies throughout the Arab region did not contradict claims he previously made in May, that the al Qaeda core had been “decimated”.

He referred back to that speech and reiterated that al Qaeda and other extremists have now changed into “regional groups that can pose significant dangers” to the United States and its embassies.

“It’s entirely consistent to say that this tightly organized and relatively centralized al Qaeda that attacked us on 9/11 has been broken apart and is very weak and does not have a lot of operational capacity, and to say we still have these regional organizations like AQAP that can pose a threat,” said Obama.

“So this is an on-going process. We are not going to completely eliminate terrorism. What we can do is to weaken it and to strengthen our partnerships in such a way that it does not pose the kind of horrible threat that we saw on 9/11.”

In September 2012 militia attacked the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, killing US ambassador Christopher Stevens and three others. Republicans have regularly criticised President Obama’s handling of the crisis.

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Olympics

Hanwha Vision cameras assist Olympic athletes in France

Hanwha Vision Europe has installed video surveillance in Paris, France to aid Olympic athletes and coaching in training and preparation.
Infloblox

Olympics Scammers Take Their Marks, Get Set, and Go!

Infoblox Threat Intel explores how bad actors are taking advantages of the public’s interest in the Olympic games from both…
Olympics

Enhancing Security at the Olympics with Facial Recognition

Sports hold profound significance in the lives of athletes, nations, and citizens alike, fostering a sense of unity and national pride.
Kate Hotson from Paxton visited the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospit

Paxton Employees Vote to Fundraise for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity

The Brighton-based security technology developer, Paxton, is supporting the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity as their 2024 Charity of the Year
halo

Halo scores hat-trick for football club security

Halo Solutions – the UK’s leading crowd safety and security operations platform  – has scored a hat-trick after Premier League club…
Heras

Janet Shelley MBE joins Heras

The UK permanent perimeter protection solutions arm of Heras has appointed Janet Shelley MBE as a Business Development Manager…
CLD

CLD Redefines Security with Sustainable Rental Solutions

North West-based business CLD Physical Security Systems, the leading manufacturer and supplier of rigid mesh fencing…
Asgard

SBD accredited Asgard bike storage shed

Secured by Design member company Asgard Storage once again helps up-and-coming athletes to safely secure their…

Heras makes Sharpe appointment

Heras – Europe’s end-to-end supplier of permanent and mobile perimeter protection solutions – has made another key strategic appointment as it continues to expand its team and build for growth.
LILIN OneAV

LILIN UK announce OneAV as UK distribution partner

Meeting through LILIN’s sponsorship of the Marathon Des Sables fundraiser for Together for Cinema, LILIN and OneAV found a shared interest.
Scroll to Top