World braced on 9/11 anniversary
Hours before the second anniversary of the September 11 atrocities, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and a close acolyte have appeared on Arab television warning the world that the real terrorism had yet to begin.
Al-Jazeera, Arabic-language news network, claimed the footage featured bin Laden and top henchman, Ayman al-Zawahri, and was probably made late April or early May.
In the audiotape sent with the film, al Zawahiri says past terror strikes were mere “skirmishes.”
“The real battle has not started yet. Prepare yourself for the punishment for your crimes,” the voice beseeched.
“With God’s help, we will cut off the arms of anyone who touches us.
“Prepare to be punished for your crimes,” said the voice.
Muslims in Iraq were encouraged to “devour the Americans,” and to “bury them in the graveyard of Iraq.”
US President Bush said Wednesday said Americans should remain vigilant against the “determined and ruthless enemy that still plots against our people.”
“We’re determined to prevent terrorist networks from gaining weapons of mass destruction. We’re committed to spreading democracy and tolerance and freedom in the Middle East, to replace the hatred and bitterness with progress and hope and peace,” Mr Bush said.
Separately, extremist Islamic group al-Muhajiroun has let it be known that it will hold a press conference today precisely at nine minutes past 11.
The location of the group’s “Magnificent 19” rallies will be named during the press conference.
