Iraq Qaeda seeks Western hostages to free cleric

DUBAI, Sep 28 (Reuters) Al Qaeda's leader in Iraq called for the kidnapping of Westerners to swap for a Muslim cleric jailed in the United States, according to an Internet audio tape issued today.

''I call on every holy fighter in Iraq to strive during this holy month (Ramzan)... to capture some dogs of the Christians so that we can liberate our imprisoned sheikh,'' said the speaker, identified as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir.

He accused US jailers of ''torturing'' Egyptian cleric Omar Abdel-Rahman, held over links to the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York.

The speaker also called for attacks on US military camps in Iraq using ''unconventional bombs such as biological and dirty bombs''.

The tape's authenticity could not be verified but it was posted on major Web sites used by militants.

Al Qaeda in Iraq has killed a number of foreign hostages, some by beheading, in its campaign against US-led forces and the Shi'ite-led Baghdad government.

Muhajir, who replaced slain former leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in June, offered a ''general amnesty'' to Iraqis who had cooperated with U.S.-led forces or fled the country.

''As for those who supported the occupiers and their agents, becoming their eyes and ears, and who betrayed their religion, honour and land for material or social gains ... I declare a general amnesty during this month of generosity and forgiveness,'' the speaker on the tape said.

''We waive the right to (avenge) the blood that was shed by your hands and your betrayal,'' he said.

Al Qaeda is one of the main insurgent groups in Iraq and has claimed responsibility for some of the bloodiest attacks.

A US intelligence official in Washington said American authorities had expected a Ramadan message from the group.

''They wanted to get something out to continue shoring up their position, to show al Qaeda's still engaged and leading this after Zarqawi's death,'' he added.

REUTERS BDP KP2020