Pull out Iraq troops or face attacks
Top militant tells Japan
Reuters, Dubai
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, an Islamic militant with suspected ties to al-Qaeda, has demanded that Japan pull its troops out of Iraq or face attacks, according to a statement posted on an Islamist Web site."This message is directed to the Japanese government. Do what the Philippines has done because no one else can help you ... Your fate will be like that of the Americans and others," read the statement by Zarqawi's al Tawhid and Jihad group, posted on a Web site that has carried previous messages of his. "We will not tolerate anyone who did not come to help the Iraqi people but to protect the Americans," added the statement dated Tuesday. Japan has 550 non-combat troops in Iraq. The warning coincided with the release in Iraq of Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz a day after Manila withdrew its small contingent of troops a month early in response to demands from kidnappers who had threatened to behead him. Zarqawi also warned Muslim and Arab states against sending troops to Iraq or supporting the U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's government. He issued the same warning to Arab and Muslim companies operating in Iraq. "This message is especially directed to Pakistan, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, Gulf Arab and Middle East states, to Indonesia, Malaysia and all Muslim countries ... We warn you for the last time that we will strike with an iron fist anyone who backs the Americans and Allawi and his gang," it said. Jordanian-born Zarqawi has offered a reward of $282,000 (179,700 pounds) this week for the killing of Iraq's premier who he described in a statement as an "American agent". He also urged Arab and Muslim soldiers to reject orders to serve in Iraq if their governments ask them. "To the soldiers of Arab and Muslim states we advise you to revolt if you are sent to Iraq. If you do not comply then columns of cars rigged with explosives will be awaiting you. The list of people ready to become martyrs is full and will not deplete, God willing," Zarqawi said in his statement. The Jordanian-born militant's group has claimed deadly suicide bombings, assassinations of Iraqi officials and the kidnapping, beheading and killings of a Bulgarian, South Korean and American hostage. At least 60 people have been kidnapped in Iraq and reported freed since April.
| 
