The Dubai office of the London-based magazine Al-Majallah has received an electronic message from a prominent al-Qa'ida leader in which he announced his organization's responsibility for the bombings that targeted two Synagogues in Istanbul early in the week, and also al-Qa'ida's responsibility for the explosion that hit the Italian forces' headquarters in al-Nasiriyah in southern Iraq.

In his electronic message Abu-Muhammad al-Ablaj threatened to carry out devastating strikes deep inside the Japanese capital Tokyo if the Japanese Government sends troops to Iraq.

He said that al-Qa'ida's volcanoes will erupt under the feet of the Jews and the Americans. He pointed out that the strikes against the two synagogues in Istanbul which, according to him, were carried out by al-Qa'ida members are a prelude to strikes which he said will be painful to the Jews and the Americans. He added: "The strikes against the Jews and the United States will continue. So the United States and Israel should begin as of today to mourn their dead and the devastation that will afflict them.

Al-Ablaj said: "We have in the past threatened Israel and the United States, and our strikes on this or that target will be painful. An example of this is what we did to the Italians in Iraq, especially against their command in al-Nasiriyah in southern Iraq.

He added: "Turkey has received its share through our strike against the two synagogues of the brothers of the monkeys and pigs. We have dealt it a blow deep in its relations with Israel.

Al-Ablaj said: The Jews and the Americans will never feel safe as long as we are alive. He went on to say: "If they are not safe at their homes, how will they be safe elsewhere in the world. We will sever the arteries and jugular veins of the United States and the Jews whatever the price. He pointed out that the date of the strike against the United States is getting closer than ever before.

In his message Al-Ablaj threatened to carry out painful strikes against Japan if it sends military forces to Iraq. He said: "If they are seeking the elimination of their economic might, devastation, and destruction under the feet of the soldiers of God, let them come to Iraq, as our strikes will reach the center of Tokyo... if they are seeking that, let them try their luck with us.

(Description of Source: London Al-Majallah in Arabic — London-based Saudi-owned weekly; sister magazine of Al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper providing independent coverage of Arab and international issues)