Al-Qaeda claims responsibility

Al- Qaeda's Yemen-based wing claimed responsiblity for the foiled plot to send explosive parcels to the United States in a statement that appeared on Islamist websites today.

The group claimed the attacks in a message posted on Islamist internet forums and translated by SITE Intelligence Group. It said it would continue to strike American and Western interests and would specifically target civilian and cargo aircraft.

"We say to Obama, we have struck your jets three times in one year and we will continue, God willing, to strike the interests of America and its allies," it continued.

The cargo aircraft bombs were addressed to synagogues in Chicago, and one had been carried on two passenger flights before being intercepted by police. A number of western countries have suspended air freight from Yemen and tightened security of air cargo in the wake of the incidents.

France intensified its airline security procedures this week in light of the cargo plane parcels, an audio threat against the country from Osama bin Laden and a series of letter bombs sent from Greece to European countries.

In Athens yesterday, Greek police detonated a parcel bomb disguised as a book addressed to the French embassy. It was sent on Monday, when the first wave of devices was sent to foreign governments and embassies by what Greek foreign minister Dimitris Droutsas described as “extreme left, anarchist groups”.

Small bombs exploded at the Swiss and Russian embassies in Athens on Tuesday, a parcel with explosives was intercepted at the German chancellor’s office and another package addressed to Italy’s prime minister caught fire when it was checked. Police also intercepted a booby-trapped parcel addressed to French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday and found parcel bombs at the Chilean and Bulgarian embassies.


Agencies 

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