Monday, August 16, 2004
Elder of ZiyonAMSTERDAM — Muslim extremists have threatened an "Islamic earthquake" and "nights of bloodshed" in the Netherlands unless Dutch troops are withdrawn from Iraq. The warning came a day after a Dutch soldier was shot dead in southern Iraq.
"We address this message to all crusader countries plotting against the Muslims, and which are sending forces to Iraq and Afghanistan, especially Italy and the Netherlands," organisation al-Tawhid wa al-Jihad said on an website on Sunday.
Al-Tawhid wa al-Jihad is said to be group connected to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the reputed leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq.
"Expect a hell that will turn your nights into bloodbaths," warned the statement posted on an Islamic website and addressed "to the European countries.... to the Dutch government and people."
The group warned the Netherlands that the statement was "a final message that we are sending to you, and it is a simple message, namely the pullout of Dutch forces from Iraq."
"Or else, your fate will be similar to the fate of Italy and other states," which have been the target of deadly terror attacks, it said.
