BAGRAM (Afghanistan), Dec 27: The commander of US-led troops in Afghanistan said on Friday they were closing in on suspected Al Qaeda militants, but added the job would be easier if Pakistan put more forces on its side of the border.

Lieutenant-General Dan McNeill said in an interview that surviving members of a group of suspected Al Qaeda fighters who killed a US soldier in a gunbattle in eastern Afghanistan last week were thought to have escaped into Pakistan.

Speaking at his headquarters at Bagram air base, north of Kabul, McNeill said Pakistan had been generous in its support in terms of overflight and base rights and had also captured or killed more than 400 suspected militants.

“The Pakistanis claim...that they are one of the most — if not the most — productive members of the coalition in the fight against terrorism,” he said.

However, McNeill said he had told Pakistan there were ways its forces could contribute further.

Asked what more Pakistan could be doing, he said: “Perhaps if they used more forces, if they used a different set of techniques tactics and procedures. I think it would have a profound effect.”

McNeill, who commands about 8,000 U.S. and 5,000 coalition troops in Afghanistan, said it was probable that at least some of the weapons, including rockets, used in almost daily attacks on coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan came from Pakistan.

But despite the attacks, McNeill said the coalition had put significant pressure on its opponents in Afghanistan.

“Maybe we’ve got them in a very desperate situation. We’re certainly...I guess you could say, tightening the noose.”—Reuters