Al Qaeda Istanbul bombing suspect urges holy war

ISTANBUL, Feb 16 (Reuters) A Syrian al Qaeda militant on trial for masterminding suicide bomb attacks on Jewish and British targets that killed more than 60 people in Istanbul in 2003 called on supporters today to wage a holy war.

Louai al Sakka is charged with planning and securing finance for the truck bombings of two synagogues, the British consulate and an HSBC bank branch in November 2003. A Turkish al Qaeda cell claimed responsibility for the attacks.

''We are close to victory. The time for jihad (holy war) has come, but don't worry about me. I will get out, then I will once again join your jihad,'' Sakka told the court ahead of a final verdict.

Nine out of some 70 people on trial on charges related to the bombings were in court today. The court is expected to deliver its verdict later today on at least some of the defendants.

REUTERS PDM BD1826