Al-Qaeda Leader Urges Attacks On Gulf Oil Facilities

Ayman al-Zawahri pictured in 2001 (epa) 7 December 2005 -- Al-Qaeda's deputy leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, has called for attacks against oil facilities in the Persian Gulf region.

The plea was made in a videotape posted on the Internet on 7 December but originally shot on 19 September.


Al-Jazeera aired the latest excerpts on 7 December, claiming this was new footage of Egyptian-born al-Zawahri. Al-Jazeera later acknowledged its mistake. Al-Jazeera had broadcast other excerpts from the video in September.


(AP)

Who Is Ayman al-Zawahri?

Who Is Ayman al-Zawahri?


AYMAN AL-ZAWAHRI is regarded as Al-Qaeda's No. 2 authority. Although al-Zawahri is lesser known than Osama bin Laden, some observers say the deputy is just as powerful as the chief....(more)

See also:

Is Al-Qaeda Letter Sign Of Rift, Or Opportunity For Bush?

Al-Qaeda Tape Says U.S. Losing In Afghanistan, Iraq