Obama: US will pursue attackers

KAILUA, Hawaii: A wing of Al-Qaida claimed responsibility on Monday for a failed Christmas Day attack on a US-bound passenger plane and President Barack Obama vowed to bring "every element" of US power against those who threaten Americans' safety.

In a statement posted online, the group Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula said the attempt was to avenge US attacks on its members in Yemen.

The group said it had provided the Nigerian suspect in the failed airliner bombing with a "technically advanced device" but that it did not detonate because of a technical fault.