Washington, Dec 11 (IANS): US President Donald Trump on Monday approved the National Strategy for Countering WMD Terrorism, in a bid to counter extremist groups' attempt to use Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) against the US.

According to a statement issued by the White House, the new strategy marked Trump's "decisive step" to counter WMD threat posed by terrorists against the US by highlighting "the urgency of placing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons beyond the reach of the world's most dangerous people."

This strategy is "the first-ever comprehensive, public description of the US Government's approach to combating WMD terrorism," the White House said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Specifically, the US will "lead global efforts to close off terrorists' access to WMD and related materials," apply consistent pressure against terrorist groups that seek to obtain and use these weapons, and, as an insurance policy, strengthen its defences against WMD threats at home and abroad, it added.

The White House said that these steps will reduce the likelihood of the most destructive weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, and protect Americans.

In October, Trump signed a comprehensive National Strategy for Counterterrorism, which detailed his administration's approach to defeat Islamic State and other extremist groups at home and abroad.