Al-Qaida deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri called on Muslims in a new audiotape released Monday to strike Jewish and American targets in revenge for Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip earlier this month.
The al-Zawahri tape came on the heels of a message from Osama bin Laden, who called for a holy war to liberate the Palestinian territories””a new push by the terror network’s leadership to use widespread anger over the Gaza violence to whip up support.
The authenticity of the 4 minute, 44-second audiotape could not be independently confirmed. But the voice on it resembled that of al- Zawahri on previous audio and videotapes confirmed to be his. It was posted on an Islamic militant Web site where al-Qaida usually releases its statements, and a banner advertising the tape had the logo of al- Qaida’s media arm, Al-Sahab.
“Muslims, today is your day. Strike the interests of the Jews, the Americans, and all those who participated in the attack on Muslims,” al-Zawahri said. “Monitor the targets, collect money, prepare the equipment, plan with precision, and then””while relying on God””assault, seeking martyrdom and paradise.”
Al Qaeda Recruiter Blues
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