Free Republic

A group of Islamic militants claiming to have ties with al-Qaeda has given the government of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi 15 days to withdraw from Iraq. In a statement signed by the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades, the group said its cells were preparing to carry out attacks in Rome and other Italian cities. The group had posted a similar message to European governments several days ago, warning that Italy would be the first target. Prime Minister Berlusconi is one of the United States' most loyal allies.

'Qaeda-Linked' Group Renews Threat to Attack Europe Fri Jul 2, 2004 09:31 AM ET By Ghaida Ghantous DUBAI (Reuters) - Muslim militants claiming links to al Qaeda vowed new attacks on Europe once a "truce" offered by Osama bin Laden expires in two weeks, newspapers said on Friday. Governments and analysts played down the threat, noting the group in question had made unfounded claims before; French President Jacques Chirac said he took any such report seriously but that little could be done to improve already tight security. "To the European people ... you only have a few more days to...