9/11 Message? New Al Qaeda Leader Calls for US Attacks
Ayman al-Zawahiri says followers must avenge death of Osama bin Laden.
Aug. 15, 2011 — -- In a video released three weeks before the 9/11 anniversary, new al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri urges followers to continue to target the United States.
Dressed in white, with his automatic weapon leaning against his left side, Zawahiri urges "Muslim brothers everywhere" to pursue America in the 12-minute video.
"America today is staggering," said Zawahiri. "Hunt her down wherever you may encounter her. Hunt her down to cut what is left of her corruption's tail."
Zawahiri took over leadership of al Qaeda following the May 2 U.S. raid which killed bin Laden in Pakistan.
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"Pursue America, which killed the 'Imam of the Mujahedeen' and threw his body into the sea, and then captured his women and sons," said Zawahiri. "Hunt her down until history says that a murderous country spread corruption in the earth so God sent his faithful to her to make an example out of her."
The video appeared Monday morning on a website which often posts al Qaeda videos and, although it is not clear exactly when it was recorded, Zawahiri's reference to bin Laden's death means it was made relatively recently.
There was no immediate comment from U.S. officials, who have warned that new attacks on U.S. targets are likely around the Sept. 11 anniversary, especially in the wake of bin Laden's death.
