Counterterrorism center chief says al-Qaida threat has grown more complex

Counterterror chief: al-Qaida threat more complex

WASHINGTON — The chief of the national counterterrorism center says the al-Qaida threat to the United States has grown more complex in the past year and underscores the challenges of pinpointing and blocking terrorist plots.

In prepared remarks for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Wednesday, Michael Leiter says al-Qaida in Pakistan is at one of its weakest points organizationally.

Nonetheless, says Leiter, the terrorist group remains a capable and determined enemy that has proven its resilience over time.

Leiter says the United States has reduced al-Qaida’s freedom of movement and sense of security in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the national counterterrorism center says al-Qaida in Pakistan is at one of the weakest points in its history.

In remarks prepared for a Senate committee hearing, Michael Leiter says the terrorist group remains a capable and determined enemy that has proven its resilience over time.

Leiter says the United States has reduced al-Qaida’s freedom of movement and sense of security in the tribal areas of Pakistan.