India said ready for terror challenges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- India is capable of facing any terrorism threat coming from Islamic extremists, Defense Minister A.K. Antony said Tuesday.

Responding to a threat made by al-Qaida that India would face more Mumbai-style terror assaults if it attacks Pakistan, Antony said the country is ready to take on any terror challenge, the Press Trust of India reported.

Antony, during a function in Thiruvananthapuram, India, said he had not seen the al-Qaida warning, which was contained in a video sent to the BBC in London. In the tape, Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, said to be al-Qaida's military commander in Afghanistan, warns, "India should know that it will have to pay a heavy price if it attacks Pakistan."

Speaking on the sidelines of the official event, Antony said, "One thing I can tell you: Whatever threat coming from any quarter, our armed forces are always ready to face them."