WASHINGTON: The Pentagon says al Qaeda still enjoys safe haven in some areas of eastern Afghanistan, and even though its numbers are small, its presence worries the top American commander there.

Pentagon spokesman Capt. John Kirby says on Wednesday that al Qaeda has found places it can plan and train, but he was not specific about locations. He said elements of the terrorist group move back and forth from Pakistan.

Kirby was responding to questions about Tuesday's announcement that the US-led Nato force had killed al Qaeda's second-ranking leader in Afghanistan in an airstrike in eastern Kunar province, which borders Pakistan.

He says ''any number'' of al Qaeda in Afghanistan is a matter of concern for Marine Gen. John Allen, the commander of US and Nato forces there.