Al-Qaeda's most active affiliates in Africa: US State Dept

The United States said that despite major setbacks, Al-Qaeda's core in Pakistan is the "most formidable" terrorist group threatening the United States. In an annual report, the State Department said that Al-Qaeda reeled under a Pakistani military onslaught, has lost many of its leaders, and has found it "tougher to raise money, train recruits and plan attacks" outside Pakistan and Afghanistan. The report further stated that Al-Qaeda was actively engaged in operational planning against the United States and continued recruiting, training and deploying operatives, including individuals from Western Europe and North America. The report further alleged that Iran as promoter of terror activities.