A statement purported to be from an al-Qaeda linked group warns a three-month truce on attacks in Europe is soon to expire, says a newspaper report. The Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades warned of further attacks unless Europe withdraws troops from Muslim countries, says the London-based Asharq al-Awsat. It was repeating demands made in a tape believed to be from al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden last April. Several European states rejected the offer, which excluded US and Israel. "To the European people... you only have a few more days to accept Bin Laden's truce or you will have only yourselves to blame," the latest message said.
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The letter went on to urge Muslims in the West to leave for Muslim states if they can. "Those who cannot, should take precautions and live in Muslim areas, have enough food to last a month, find ways to protect themselves and their families, leave enough money in the house to last one month and to pray a lot and put their fate in God's hands," it added.
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The statement was purported to be from Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades, which claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings on trains in the Spanish capital, Madrid, last March. The Arabic daily newspaper said the letter - the authenticity of which could not be immediately verified - was dated 1 July. The voice on the audiotape, broadcast on two Arab TV channels in April, offered Europe a truce if it "stops attacking Muslims". It said "the door is open" for about three months to forge a truce, although this could be extended. The truce would begin when "the last soldier" leaves "our countries", it added. |