Zarqawi demands Japan exit

ABU MUSAB AL-ZARQAWI, an Islamic militant with suspected ties to al-Qaida, has demanded that Japan pull its troops out of Iraq or face attacks, according to a statement posted yesterday on an Islamist website.

“This message is directed to the Japanese government. Do what the Philippines has done because no one else can help you. Your fate will be like that of the Americans and others,” read the statement by Zarqawi’s al Tawhid and Jihad group. Japan has 550 non-combat troops in Iraq.