Shadowy Iraqi group threatens attacks

A hitherto unknown Iraqi group today threatened to continue armed attacks on US and British troops until they are forced to leave Iraq.

The threat was made in a videotape by a man claiming to speak for the Muslim Youths movement.

In the video, broadcast by the Dubai-based Al Arabiya satellite TV channel, the man warned the Iraqis against collaborating with US and British troops.

He also warned other countries against sending troops to Iraq to serve with an international peacekeeping force.

“Our sacred mission is the liberation of the dear land of Iraq,” said the man, whose head and face were covered with scarf and who carried a rifle in one hand.

At least two other men, their faces also covered, stood behind the first in the darkened room.

“We appeal to the world states not to send troops to the land of Iraq because we will treat them as we are treating the American and British occupation forces,” the first man said.

Al Arabiya did not say how it got the video.

Attacks against coalition soldiers have been increasing, and several alleged Iraqi resistance groups, including Saddam loyalists, have claimed credit for the attacks in videotapes or statements.