(AFX-Focus) 2003-12-08 09:08 Al-Qaeda to shift most operations to Iraq - report
WASHINGTON (AFX) - Three leading associates of Osama bin Laden last month told sources connected to fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omarthat the al-Qaeda network will be shifting most of its operations to a new front in Iraq, Newsweek magazine reported.
The article, published today, says the message was delivered to Mullah Omar at a secret meeting in Afghanistan -- held during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
It adds that Mullah Omar was informed of al-Qaeda plans to reduce by half its 3 mln usd monthly contribution to Afghan anti-government groups.
The shift of the main theater of operation has been ordered by bin Laden because both he and his top lieutenants see a greater opportunity to target Americans and their allies in Iraq and neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Newsweek alleges.
Bin Laden believes that Iraq is becoming the perfect battlefield to fight the "American crusaders" and that the Iraqi insurgency has been "100 percent successful so far," the report says, quoting a Taliban participant who attended the meeting and who goes by the nom de guerre Sharafullah.
However, the report adds that Mullah Omar is dismayed by the apparent re-direction of al-Qaeda forces.
Nevertheless, bin Laden's representatives have advised Taliban supporters to work to unite the Afghan resistance.
newsdesk@afxnews.com