US President Barack Obama welcomed on Friday the decision of US Defense Secretary Ash Carter allowing women to participate in all combat roles in the US military.

" One of the qualities that makes America's armed forces the best in the world is that we draw on the talents and skills of our people. When we desegregated our military, it became stronger," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.

"Over recent decades, we've opened about 90 percent of military positions to women who time and again have proven that they, too, are qualified, ready and up to the task. In the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, our courageous women in uniform have served with honor, on the front lines -- and some have given their very lives", Obama added.

He described the decision as historic step forward by opening up the remaining 10 percent of military positions, including combat roles, to women.

Sources: MENA