US dismisses Al Qaeda threat as ‘propaganda’

Washington, Oct 14: The White House on Saturday dismissed as “propaganda” the latest threat by Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network to hit US and British interests, and said steps were being taken to protect Americans at home and abroad.

“The White House sees it as just more propaganda,” White House spokeswoman Jennifer Millerwise said of a taped statement in which al Qaeda vowed to retaliate for US-led strikes against Afghanistan.
Broadcast on Qatar’s al-Jazeera television network, the statement by al Qaeda spokesman Sulaiman Bu Ghaith also warned Americans and Britons, especially Muslims, children and “all those who oppose US policy,” not to “ride planes or live in high buildings.”

The al Qaeda statement also drew a swift reaction from the British government.

“This latest statement is a clear admission of responsibility for the terrorist attacks in the US of 11 September,” a statement from the office of British Prime Minister Tony Blair said.

“It can leave no one in any doubt of Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda’s intention to continue to conduct, incite and support acts of terrorism. This is why we are determined to bring bin Laden, his al Qaeda network and those who support and harbour them to account.”

Earlier on Saturday President George W Bush said the US government was taking “strong precautions” to safeguard Americans against terror attacks by bin Laden and other militants.

— Reuters