President Obama pledges support for Afghanistan and Pakistan as the fight against militants claims more victims

US President Barack Obama says his talks Wednesday with the presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan were constructive, and that the two countries share the US goal of disrupting and defeating Al Qaeda. He also says the US plans to provide more aid to help civilians in both countries and will do its best to avoid civilian casualties. US air strikes on Taleban targets in Afghanistan earlier this week are being blamed for the deaths of dozens of civilians. Meanwhile Pakistani security forces continue to battle Islamist militants in Northwest Pakistan, and the International Committee of the Red Cross is warning that a refugee crisis is imminent. +++SYN+++