Group warns Germany and Austria to quit Afghan

Dubai, Mar 11: An Islamist group called on Germany and Austria to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan to prevent attacks against the two countries.

''Why would you (Germany) want all this (economic interests) threatened for the sake of Bush and his band?'' the Voice of the Khalifate said in a video posted on an Islamist Web site used by militants, including al Qaeda.

''Isn't it stupid to encourage the mujahideen to launch attacks in your country?'' The speaker pointed out that Austria relied on tourism for an important part of its revenue, adding: ''This situation would change if there is a security threat and Austria becomes a country targeted by the mujahideen.'' The tape also featured a portion of an old video of al Qaeda's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri.

It appeared on the same day, on the same Web site, as a video issued by a little-known militant group in Iraq which said it would kill two hostages, a German woman and her son, in 10 days unless Berlin withdrew its troops from Afghanistan.

Germany opposed the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq but has around 3,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a NATO force stationed there since US-led troops in 2001 toppled the Taliban, which had harboured al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

''Austria has no interest in such a war ... which is a war between the Mujahideen and America and whoever aligns itself with it,'' said the masked speaker on the Arabic-language Khalifate video, which carried German subtitles.

In Vienna, an Austrian Defence Ministry spokesman said his country had just five officers in Afghanistan and was not planning to send more troops.

Reuters