Arab militant vows attacks on Russia - Jazeera

reuters.co.uk ^ | Sat 13 March, 2004 16:02 | Reuters

[Destro]

Arab militant vows attacks on Russia - Jazeera

Sat 13 March, 2004 16:02

DUBAI (Reuters) - Arab television channel Al Jazeera has broadcast a videotape of the man it says is the leader of Arab fighters in Chechnya, vowing to stage a new wave of attacks inside Russia.

Abu al-Waleed, said by the Kremlin of being among those behind last month's bombing on the Moscow underground, added that his campaign might depend on the outcome of Russia's coming presidential polls.

"The enemies of God drop mines in the forests and, God willing, we will return them to the Russians and they will find them on their land and in the midst of their families," said the bearded man who was standing in a forest.

"But perhaps we may wait a little to see the upcoming elections. If they elect someone who declares war on Chechnya, then the Russians are declaring war against the Chechens and by God we will send them these (mines)... Not only these but also things that did not cross their minds," he said.

The man, wearing military fatigues and a beret and speaking in Arabic, was shown picking up a "butterfly" mine from foliage. He said his fighters had found hundreds of them.

"We will return these to you (Russians)...You will, God willing, see hundreds of people crippled," he said.

Officials at Qatar-based Al Jazeera were not immediately available on Saturday to comment on when or how they received the videotape.

Security has been tightened across Russia ahead of Sunday's elections and extra troops have been stationed along the border of Chechnya, where rebels have long been fighting Russian rule.

The Kremlin blames Chechen rebels for a spate of attacks including a suicide bombing which killed close to 50 people on a train in southern Russia before last December's parliamentary polls and the attack on the underground, which killed around 40.

The Kremlin believes Abu al-Waleed was also among those behind the 1999 apartment bombings across Russia that prompted President Vladimir Putin to send troops back into Chechnya.

[endthematrix]

The thug's name flip in translation Al-Walid or Waleed. Even KAVAKS mixes it up. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1073698/posts?page=14#14

[2111USMC]

"If al-Qaeda targets Europe or Canada that means they have gone to seed since that will end their European and Canadian safe havens. Attacks on Europe mean al-Qaeda is losing, IMHO.

I think your assessment is dead-on. al-Queda has turned to murdering their own fellow Muslims in Iraq and elsewhere. This is indeed an indication of "last gasp" measures.

[Destro]

maybe not...it depends on how Europe reacts.

It has nothing to do with reaction. Europe is where al-Qaeda goes to recruit, raise money and move about in attempts to enter the USA etc.

If they attack in places they were using as safe havens it means they are running out of options.

[endthematrix]

Google Al-Walid

[Destro]

Firstly, Chechen civilians don't live in forests. Secondly, the man making the statement is not a Chechen but an Arab.

The mines are a reaction to having Arabs, Turks and other Islamic jihadists entering Chechnya via mountains to fight a jihad the majority of the Chechen people have given up on.

All is not lost, at least the jihadis have Americans like you to defend them.

[endthematrix]

http://www.ocean-resources.com/Map/map.asp

[Graymatter]

"Vows attacks on Russia..."

What's the matter with them? Do they actually think this is going to frighten the Russians? Your average Russian could come through Armageddon, given a bag of rocks for nourishment and a rotting cow carcass to bunk in.

[Destro]

The Russians sometime remind me of Mongo from "Blazing Saddles" -

Bart: I better go check out this Mongo character. [Bart reaches for his gun.]
Jim: Oh no, don't do that.
Bart: Why not?
Jim: If you shoot him, you'll just make him mad.

[endthematrix]

Myrddin your comments state the facts. Lets be clear. The Russian FSB won't win any human rights awards. Neither will terrorist spreading Whabbi garbage at ANY means.

"Firstly, Chechen civilians don't live in forests."Yes, after thermobaric bombing of the cities. Where else do you go...the hills. Check some before and after sat photos of Grozny. You are right about that PIG. He is an Arab, Kattab's gay lover.

[Destro]

The Chechens of Grozny went to live in Dagestan in refugee camps and others went to other parts of Chechnya and even Russia. No Chechens live in the "forests". In the "forests" you will find Arabs and Turks and other jihadis living there - like the non-Chechen man makinging the video - this "Chechen" commander is in fact an Arab.

[rmlew]

The thwarted attack on Greece is significant. Greece has pro-Arabist foriegn policy and opposed the invasion of Iraq. The attackon Greece makes it quite clear that theIslamists wish to reconquer all territory ever controled by Muslims(if not the world)

[rmlew]

Nice group that mixes all our enemies together: Islamists and communists.
I love their conspiracy theories.

[endthematrix]

I think what you meant to say was realpolitik, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Jihadis once killed Russians on the battlefield at the delight of the US. Times change...only slightly and always cyclical.

[endthematrix]

OOOPS! You were talking of post #20, not me and Myrddin.

[dasboot]

There are no Wahhab Arabs in Chechnya, just misunderstood Christians fighting for independence. sarc

[realpatriot]

"You will, God Allah willing, see hundreds of people crippled

I hate when translators screw that up.

[mtbopfuyn]

AQ doesn't seem to be able to get along with anyone. Lashing out in all directions and ready to implode.

[Drango]

it is for me because it goes to France.

And when terrorist attack France, will I care?

[RayChuang88]

Actually, the Chunnel is less of a tempting target than people think. Especially now with both France and the UK cracking down on illegals trying to get to the UK through the Chunnel.