Italy, Netherlands Threatened Over Iraq
Jeffrey Turner
Italy, Netherlands Threatened Over Iraq
Posted by: Editor on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 10:23 AM
CAIRO, Egypt - An online statement purportedly from an Islamic
militant group threatened the Netherlands and Italy with
"bloodbaths" if they do not withdraw their troops from Iraq.
There was no way to verify the authenticity of the statement,
which appeared late Sunday on a Web site known as a clearing
house for militant-related material.
The statement addressed all European countries that have sent
troops to Iraq and Afghanistan (news - web sites), but also
specifically mentioned the Netherlands and Italy.
"We advise you to withdraw the Dutch troops from Iraq, otherwise
we will not be responsible for the retaliation which will not be
through the Internet, but through our special means," warned the
Jamaat al-Tawhid al-Islamiya group.
"Wait for the hell which will turn your nights into bloodbaths."
The statement addressed Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi
by name and said: "You have defied the soldiers of Islam so wait
for the Islamic quake."
Italy has about 3,000 troops in Iraq.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry said Monday the Netherlands had no
plans to withdraw its approximately 1,350 troops from Iraq.
Spokesman Bart Jochems called the Internet threat a "foggy
story," adding that the government repeatedly has said it will
not be swayed by terrorists.
The online statement was signed by the Omar el-Mukhtar Brigade
of the Jamaat al-Tawhid al-Islamiya, or Group of Islamic
Monotheism. Omar el-Mukhtar was a Libyan nationalist who fought
against the Italian occupation and was hanged in 1931.
On July 29, the little-known group posted a statement on an
Islamic Web site warning Arab countries against participating in
a Saudi-proposed Muslim force for Iraq.
It is unclear who the actual authors of threatening statements
are. The numerous online claims and counterclaims make it
difficult to determine the authenticity of Web threats or learn
whether those who post them have any ability to carry them out.
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more wicked men than it takes away."
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