Iraq al-Qaeda wants hostages
2006-09-28 20:29
Dubai - Al-Qaeda's leader in Iraq called
for the kidnapping of Westerners to swap for a Muslim cleric
jailed in the United States, according to an internet audio tape
issued on Thursday.
"I call on every holy fighter in Iraq to strive during this
holy month (Ramadan)... to capture some dogs of the Christians
so that we can liberate our imprisoned sheikh," said the
speaker, identified as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir.
He accused US jailers of "torturing" Egyptian cleric Omar
Abdel-Rahman, held over links to the 1993 bombing of the World
Trade Centre in New York.
The speaker also called for attacks on US military camps
in Iraq using "unconventional bombs such as biological and dirty
bombs".
Amnesty
The tape's authenticity could not be verified but it was
posted on major websites used by militants.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq has killed a number of foreign hostages,
some by beheading, in its campaign against US-led forces and
the Shi'ite-led Baghdad government.
Muhajir, who replaced slain former leader Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi in June, offered a "general amnesty" to Iraqis who
had co-operated with US-led forces or fled the country.
"As for those who supported the occupiers and their agents,
becoming their eyes and ears, and who betrayed their religion,
honour and land for material or social gains ... I declare a
general amnesty during this month of generosity and
forgiveness," the speaker on the tape said.
"We waive the right to (avenge) the blood that was shed by
your hands and your betrayal," he said.
Al-Qaeda is one of the main insurgent groups in Iraq and has
claimed responsibility for some of the bloodiest attacks.