Al-Qaeda claims responsibility for Kenya attacks

BBC News ^ | 12/8/02 | BBC News

[Angelus Errare]

Al-Qaeda 'vows fresh attacks'

The al-Qaeda network has threatened more attacks on Israeli and US targets in a fresh claim of responsibility for last month's attacks in Kenya, which killed 13 people.

"The Jewish Crusader coalition will not be safe anywhere from the fighters' attacks," said al-Qaeda's spokesman Sulaiman Abu Ghaith in an audio statement broadcast by the Qatari-based al-Jazeera television channel.

The statement, dated 6 December, was also posted on an Islamist web site - just days after al-Qaeda first claimed responsibility for the Mombasa attacks.

Kenyan officials say the country has been put on high alert following the statement and a new spate of terror threats.

Sixteen people, including three suicide bombers, were killed in the attack on the Israeli-owned Paradise Hotel, north of Mombasa. A missile attack on an Israeli passenger plane failed.

Change of tactics

Abu Ghaith - one the main suspects in the 11 September attacks on the US - warned of more and wider attacks on American and Israeli targets "on land, air and sea".

"We will hit the most vital centres and we will strike against its strategic operations with all possible means," the statement said.

Al-Qaeda does not usually claim direct responsibility for attacks, instead praising those who carry them out.

But Abu Ghaith said that members of the terror network "find ourselves today in better circumstances and a stronger position to do that".

Although the statement could not immediately be verified, US officials said they considered it to be credible.

Experts believe that al-Qaeda is increasingly relying on the use of the internet, which enables its members to communicate quickly and anonymously.

They say it is extremely difficult to trace and confirm postings attributed to al-Qaeda, as web sites themselves often disappear or change addresses.

[Angelus Errare]

Was there any doubt?

[TLBSHOW]

I could of sworn they said this a week ago?

[Angelus Errare]

They did, but that was a website posting.

This is Suleiman Abu Ghaith, the group's spokesman, and therefore would generally be considered to be more credible than some guy on a message board.

[Mo1]

They did, but that was a website posting.

I thought it was fax they sent ??

[Angelus Errare]

The way I heard it, a member of a message board frequently by members and sympathizers of the group posted a claim of responsibility for the attacks.

The tanker attack in Yemen, however, did come to al-Jazeera via a fax containing a lengthy rant with the usual supervillain rhetoric and the "Surrender Earthlings" rant purportedly signed by bin Laden himself.

[Mo1]

OK .. thanks

[Lion's Cub]

Al-Qaeda does not usually claim direct responsibility for attacks, instead praising those who carry them out.
But Abu Ghaith said that members of the terror network "find ourselves today in better circumstances and a stronger position to do that".

I like this :)
The little p*ssants are getting arrogant. I'd say they are running short of their more level-headed leadership.

[yonif]

Does the US State Dept. still doubt it?

[anniegetyourgun]

I would expect Al-Q to take responsibility for all major terror attacks - whether they did it or not. It's just good psyops.

[ChadGore]

ROPMA

[Squantos]

warned of more and wider attacks on American and Israeli targets "on land, air and sea". ......

Better be careful they don't bump into the wildlife that dwells in that environment....as in S.E.A.L.

Stay safe !

[Capriole]

I'm shocked. Who'd a thunk it? Al-Qaeda, that nice bunch of boys, engaging in some sort of anti-American, anti-Jewish activity? Amazing! I never would have guessed.

[Jumper]

Al-Qaeda claiming responsiblity is sign of desperation and the need to seen as both dangerous by the USA and West/Israel while at the same time publicize their deeds to the "Followers of the Religion of Peace!"

[Arpege92]

Can't run or hide anywhere huh? Just like the terrorists can't run and hide in that highway of caves.

[harpseal]

Al Qaeda + SEALS equals instant chum plus happy SEALS. Sharks feast.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown