ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A senior al-Qaida leader, described by U.S. counterterrorism officials as the group's No. 3 man and a close confidant of Osama Bin Laden, has been arrested after a firefight in northwestern Pakistan, officials said Wednesday.

In Washington, President Bush said the capture of Abu Farraj al-Libbi "represents a critical victory in the war on terror," and he praised the Pakistani government and President Gen. Pervez Musharraf for the arrest.

"Al-Libbi was a top general for bin Laden," Bush said. "He was a major facilitator and a chief planner for the al-Qaida network. His arrest removes a dangerous enemy who is a direct threat to America and for those who love freedom."

Bush added, "We'll stay on the offensive until al-Qaida is defeated."

Now i cant wait for the day the World announces the capture of Al-Zarqawi.. followed by the capture of Al-Qaida's ringleader.. Osama Bin Laden..... only then can we look follow to better days for the rest of the World.. and that the victims can finally rest in peace.........

For the full story, go to http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/pakistan_terror_arrests