Islamic Internet clip threatens Austria, Germany

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Islamic militants have threatened to attack Germany and Austria unless the two European nations break ranks with the United States and withdraw their personnel from Afghanistan, according to an Internet statement. "Germany will face more threats and dangers if it doesn't withdraw its troops from Afghanistan," an unidentified speaker said in a video statement posted Saturday on an Islamic Web site used by al-Qaida-linked militants. The authenticity of the video could not be verified, but it was released by the Voice of the Caliphate, which is said to be run by Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida group. The unidentified speaker, whose face was blurred, said about 2,750 German soldiers in Afghanistan will "not be safe from attacks" by the Taliban and al-Qaida fighters in the war-torn nation. He also threatened that the militants will carry out attacks in Austria and against Austrian personnel in Afghanistan. "Austria has always been one of the most safe countries in Europe depending on tourism both in summer and winter," the unidentified speaker said. "But if it doesn't withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, it may be among targeted nations."