A voice purported to be Osama bin Laden has vowed suicide attacks “inside and outside” the United States and threatened nations that are helping the American occupation of Iraq.

Al-Jazeera, the Arab satellite television channel, today defended its decision to air footage of dead British and American soldiers.

AL-QAIDA leader Osama bin Laden last night voiced solidarity with Iraqis, urging them to carry out suicide attacks against Americans.

It is still not clear when a newly-released tape showing Osama bin Laden was made.