Posted on 07/29/2004 7:27:50 AM PDT by Stoat
Muslim militants claiming links with al Qaeda have vowed a "bloody war on Europe" after a truce offered by Osama bin Laden expired earlier this month.
They also said that Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi would be their first target for attack.
In a statement posted on an Islamist website, the group said:
"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."
The statement, signed by Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades also makes a threat to Europe in general.
It states: "Today, we have declared a bloody war on you and we will not stop raids against you until you return to the correct path."
"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
Islam,the religion of peace,coming soon to a town near you!!!!!!
Let's hope not :-(
After the very kind and gracious words that Mr. Berlusconi spoke on behalf of our President and our nation a few weeks ago, Italy stands out in Europe as being a true friend of the United States and deserves our support, our respect and our prayers.
If anyone wishes to send a friendly letter of support, urging Italy to stand strong during this difficult time, you can contact an English-speaking representative of the government of Italy via their embassy in the United States:
http://www.italyemb.org/
EMBASSY OF ITALY IN THE UNITED STATES
3000 Whitehaven Street, NW - Washington, DC 20008
Tel (202) 612-4400 - Fax (202) 518-2154
stampa@itwash.org
Let's not forget how wonderful it was when so many people from all over the world sent us their heartfelt good wishes after 9/11.
done!
stampa@itwash.org
I wondered why Mr. Berlusconi was targeted. Your post explains it. Prayers for Mr. Berlusconi. With Rome being in Italy and the Holy See/Vatican City in Italy, sort of, I would think this is another reason why Italy will draw their interest.
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