Topic: Al-Qaida in Iraq Leader Urges 'Holy War'

Media: The Associated Press
Byline:
Date: 28 September 2006


CAIRO, Egypt_The new leader of al-Qaida in Iraq urged Muslims to make the
holy month of Ramadan a "month of holy war," in an audiotape posted on
Islamic Web site Thursday. He also purportedly said that more than 4,000
foreign fighters have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion.

The man on the tape identified himself as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir _ also known
as Abu Ayyub al-Masri _ the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, though the voice
could not be independently identified. He is believed to have succeeded Abu
Musab al-Zarqawi, who died in a U.S. airstrike north of Baghdad in June.

"I congratulate the Muslim nation on the occasion of the holy month of
Ramadan, the month of jihad (holy war). I ask God to make it a month for
honor and victory for Muslims," the voice said.