WASHINGTON, Nov 24: President George W. Bush on Saturday told Americans celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday to brace themselves for “difficult times ahead” as the offensive in Afghanistan enters a more perilous phase.

Despite recent gains against the Taliban and Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network, Bush said “the fight we have begun will not be quickly or easily finished.”

“Our enemies hide and plot in many nations. They are devious and ruthless.”

“Yet we are confident in the justice of our cause. We will fight for as long as it takes, and we will prevail,” Bush said in his weekly radio address, as Americans gathered with their families for the long holiday weekend.

Bush spent Thanksgiving at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland’s Catoctin mountains, where he consulted with top aides on the bombing campaign and the hunt for bin Laden, whom Washington accuses of masterminding the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

With al Qaeda and Taliban members retreating to caves and tunnels deep in the Afghan mountains, Bush has warned that “the most difficult steps” lay ahead.

He has also warned nations that sponsor terrorism that Washington could launch preemptive strikes against groups that may be planning new attacks against the United States.

“America’s not waiting for terrorists to try to strike us again. Wherever they hide, wherever they plot, we will strike the terrorists,” he told troops this week.

In his radio address, Bush sought to rally Americans for a protracted fight, telling them that despite recent tragedies they had “much to be thankful for” — from the bravery of US troops to the bonds of family and faith.

“We’re thankful for the character of our fellow citizens who are flying flags and donating to charity and comforting those who grieve. Americans have aided the families of victims, and the starving children of Afghanistan, half a world away,” Bush said.

But he urged Americans to do more to support the troops overseas and help others at home.

“Comfort those who feel afraid; show your kindness to a Muslim neighbour; help someone in need of shelter, or food, or words of hope; and continue to pray for America,” Bush said.

“May God grant us patience, resolve and wisdom in all that is to come,” he added.—Reuters