Al-Qaeda number two calls for strikes against US, Israel
WASHINGTON, March 24, 2008 (AFP) — The second-ranking leader of Al-Qaeda, Ayman Al-Zawahiri, called for new strikes against Jewish and American interests in a new radio address monitored here.
"Muslims, today is your day. Strike the interests of the Jews, the Americans, and all of those who participated in the attack on the Muslims," Zawahiri said in an audio speech issued by Al-Qaeda's As-Sahab information network on Sunday and monitored here by SITE Intelligence Group.
Zawahiri urged the faithful to "monitor the targets, collect the money, bring the equipment, plan accurately, and then -- while depending on Allah -- storm, seeking martyrdom and paradise."
The address became the second public message coming from the Al-Qaeda leadership in less than a week.
On March 20, Osama Bin Laden insisted in a similar appeal to his followers that the only way to liberate Palestine is not through negotiations or dialogue, but "iron and fire."
He also urged Muslims to participate in military operations against US forces in Iraq as a means of fighting for Muslim holy places in Jerusalem.
Zawahiri's message coincided with a visit to the West Bank by US Vice President Dick Cheney, who warned on Sunday that attacks on Israel by Palestinian militants were killing hopes for their "long overdue" state.
Cheney made his first trip as vice president to the West Bank for talks with moderate president Mahmud Abbas, following a string of meetings with Israeli leaders, with whom he also discussed Israel's arch foe Iran.
In the speech titled "Rush to Support Our People in Gaza", Zawahiri blasts what he sees as collusion between the United States, Israel, Egypt, and other Arab states against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and its people.
He accuses Israel and its allies of restricting access for Palestinians to the most basic necessities and killing them. The Al-Qaeda leader also encourages Muslims to support Palestinians through decisive actions against these states, rather than demonstrating their disapproval by other means.
"Let us strike their interests everywhere, just like they gathered against us from everywhere," Zawahiri said. "Let it be known to them that they will get blood for every dollar they spend in the killing of the Muslims, and for every bullet they fire against us, a volcano will turn back on them."
He insisted that Israeli warplanes were bombing people in Gaza "based on the American decision, the Egyptian siege, and Arab collusion."
"They will never be able to insult and make a mockery out of our Prophet, peace and prayers of Allah upon him," Zawahiri went on to conclude. "They cannot expect to support Israel, then live in peace and enjoyment while the Jews are killing our fugitive and surrounded people."
