Pakistan's Interior Ministry handout photo, shows senior al-Qaida suspect Abu Faraj al-Libbi, Wednesday, May 4, 2005 in Islamabad

President Bush says Pakistan's capture of suspected terrorist leader Abu Farraj al-Libbi is a critical victory in the war on terror.

President Bush says Al-Libbi was a top general for al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and was a chief planner for the terrorist network.

"His arrest removes a dangerous enemy who was a direct threat to America and for those who love freedom," the president said. "I applaud the Pakistani government for its strong cooperation in the war on terror."

President Bush praised Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistani security forces for acting on solid intelligence to bring al-Libbi to justice.

Pakistan says it arrested the Libyan national earlier this week. He is wanted in connection with attempts to assassinate President Musharraf in December of 2003.

President Bush told Latino business leaders that the fight continues and America will stay on the offensive until al-Qaida is defeated.