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July 29, 2004
Al Qaeda Threatens Europe, Italy

Reuters carry two reports on the latest statement to come out of what is perceived to be Al Qaeda's European branch, the Abu Hasef Al Masri brigades. In it, they vow 'bloody war' on Europe, after Europe declined earlier to take up Al Qaeda on its truce offer.

Reuters:
Qaeda-Linked Group Vows 'Bloody War' on Europe

Jul 28, 4:41 PM (ET)

DUBAI (Reuters) - Muslim militants claiming links to al Qaeda vowed in a statement on Wednesday to launch a "bloody war" on Europe after a "truce" offered by Osama bin Laden expired earlier this month.

"Today, we have declared a bloody war on you and we will not stop raids against you until you return to the correct path," said the statement signed by Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades and posted on an Islamist Web site, which has carried previous statements from the group.

"After the truce determined by our sheik Osama bin Laden ended, and after you have not returned to the correct path, we declare a war in your faces and in the face of your silent people whose silence proves their support to you," it added.

The authenticity of the statement could not be immediately verified.

The group had warned in an internet statement earlier this month it would launch new attacks on Europe once the truce, which expired in mid-July, ended.

Al Qaeda leader bin Laden, in an audiotape on April 15, gave European states three months to pull troops out of Afghanistan, Iraq and other Muslim countries or face new attacks like the Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people on March 11.

In the same statement, they theaten Silvio Berlusconi's Italy:

Reuters:
Qaeda-Linked Group Says Berlusconi Its First Target

Jul 28, 5:28 PM (ET)

DUBAI (Reuters) - Muslim militants claiming links to al Qaeda said in a statement on Wednesday Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was their first target for attack.

"We will shake the cities of Europe and we will start with you Berlusconi, and we will make it bloody until you return to the correct path. Wait for us Berlusconi and your other allies as well, wait for our promise which we have revealed to you and are now revealing to Europe," said the statement signed by Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades and posted on an Islamist Web site.

More at Southern Watch

Posted by V-Man at July 29, 2004 08:16 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Has ANYONE thought that maybe if the media would just ignore these ranting lunatics, it might help weaken them into non-existance?

Posted by: No Party [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 29, 2004 09:35 PM

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