Al Qaeda to launch online English newspaper

New York, Jul 1: Al Qaeda is set to launch its first online propaganda newspaper in English, as a step to promote the terror group inside the United States and Europe, reports a news agency.

The paper, named 'Inspire' has begun its promotions with animated online graphics glossing 'a special gift to the Islamic nation'.

The counter terrorism officials figure out that it will be run by al Qaeda's branch in Yemen, which has been linked to the failed Christmas day bombing attempt of a US-bound airliner. Al Qaeda had websites to promote its messages until now but it wants to capitalize on its recent success recruiting inside the US.

The launch suggests that the terrorist group wants to broaden its reach in the United States as al Qaeda's core has been weakened by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) drone airstrikes. The terror group intends to aspire jihadist in US and UK who may be next Fort Hood murder or Times Square bomber, said Bruce Riedel, the former CIA officer.

Authorities also said that the new strategy is propelled by Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical US-born cleric now living in Yemen. They say that his online sermons in English have inspired several recent terrorist plots in the US.

Al Qaeda's advertisement said that al-Awlaki will contribute to the first issue of the newspaper.

OneIndia News