Monday, January 14, 2013

Mali Islamists vow to strike 'at heart' of France for 'attacking Islam'

AFP - Islamist forces based in northern Mali vowed Monday to avenge France's fierce military offensive against them on French soil.

"France has attacked Islam. We will strike at the heart of France," said a leader of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), an offshoot of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Asked where they would strike, Abou Dardar told AFP by telephone: "Everywhere. In Bamako, in Africa and in Europe."

Authorities in France were already on high alert over fears of a backlash on home soil by Islamist extremists.

The MUJAO official also referred to France's eight hostages held in the Sahel region.

"We will make a statement on the hostages today. From today all the mujahedeen are together."

More...