By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A new video threat from Islamic militants to attack Germany unless it removes its troops from Afghanistan needs to be taken seriously, a German security official said in remarks published Tuesday.
The Voice of the Caliphate, which is said to be run by Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida group, allegedly posted the video Saturday on an Islamic Web site used by al-Qaida-linked militants. The authenticity of the video could not immediately be verified.
"Germany will face more threats and dangers if it doesn't withdraw its troops from Afghanistan," an unidentified speaker said in the video. It also showed portraits of Chancellor Angela Merkel and her entire Cabinet, as well as threatening Austria with attacks.
The video needs to be taken "very earnestly," August Hanning, a deputy Interior Minister who used to run Germany's foreign intelligence agency, told the Bild newspaper. "I don't think it's a bluff."