New leader vows vengeance

2006-06-13 19:18

Dubai - Al-Qaeda's new leader in Iraq vowed on Tuesday to avenge the killing of his predecessor Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, saying Americans and their Iraqi allies would not be safe in their strongholds, according to a web statement.

"The day of vengeance is near and your strong towers in the Green Zone will not protect you," according to the statement posted on a website often used by Islamist militants and signed by the new leader Abu Hamza al-Muhajir.

The authenticity of the statement could not be verified. It would be Muhajir's first public statement since being named the new leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

"You will see what we have in store for you because of your betrayal and apostasy.

"Our swords are poised above your necks," he told Iraqis who co-operated with US-led forces.

On Monday, the group named the little-known Muhajir to be Zarqawi's successor.

Zarqawi was killed in a US air strike last week.

Some analysts identify Muhajir as Egyptian militant Abu Ayyub al-Masri, who trained in Afghanistan, formed al-Qaeda's first cell in Baghdad and is sought by the US military as a Zarqawi aide.

- Reuters