Human shield claims denied
2005-05-11 15:55
Cairo - Al-Qaeda's wing in Iraq, in an online posting on Wednesday, denied US military reports that it had used Iraqi patients as human shields in fighting last week.
In a statement posted on a website known as a clearinghouse for militants, al-Qaeda in Iraq said US forces had used Iraqi women and boys in Fallujah as human shields.
"And now they are accusing our Mujahedeen (holy warriors) of taking human shields.
"You, the cross worshippers, your claims turned to be lies," said the statement by the group led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
The statement could not be authenticated.
It also warned of more suicide attacks against American forces in the coming days.
"Our Mujahedeen are racing to meet death and they are keen to die as much as you are keen to live," it said.
"The martyrs' regiment ... will sacrifice more martyrs and will increase its torture directed on the infidels."
There has been a surge of suicide and other deadly attacks in Iraq in recent days.
- SAPA