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WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama told US troops in Alaska on Thursday that he will not risk their lives needlessly and promised a clear mission as he weighed his next steps in the Afghanistan war.
"I want you guys to understand I will never hesitate to use force to protect the American people or our vital interests," Obama told troops gathered at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska.
"But I also make you this promise: I will not risk your life unless it is necessary to our vital interests."
The president spoke during a brief stopover in Alaska – after which he had officially visited all 50 US states – on his way to a week-long Asia tour of four nations.
"We'll give you the strategy and the clear mission you deserve, we'll give you the equipment and support that you need to get the job done, and that includes public support back home," he added.
Obama is choosing between a series of military options on how to proceed in the Afghanistan war, now in its ninth year, for up to 40,000 additional troops as part of an overall strategy US officials said will not be open-ended.
His concern with troop safety echoes a moving ceremony he attended on Wednesday, on Veteran's Day, at Arlington national cemetery, and the tribute he presided on Tuesday at Fort Hood, Texas, for 13 people killed by an army major a week ago.
In Anchorage, he celebrated having completed his tour of the United States.
"It is wonderful to be here at one of America's great airbases. I have to tell you, I am also really excited because I had up until today visited 49 states, so this is officially my 50th state," he said to applause.
His talks in Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea are expected to focus on national security, climate change and economic issues.
- AFP/so
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