An Al-Qaeda linked Sunni group in Iraq threatened to use chemical weapons against "occupation" and Iraqi forces unless they halt their offensive against rebels in the northern town of Tal Afar.
"The military bureau of Jaish al-Taefa al-Mansura (Army of the Victorious Community) has decided to strike strategic and sensitive targets belonging to the (US) forces of occupation and apostates (Iraqi government forces) in Baghdad, with non-conventional and chemical weapons" unless the Tal Afar operation is called off, the Internet statement said Sunday.
Sporadic fighting flared in Tal Afar Sunday as 10,000 American and Iraqi troops pressed on with an all-out offensive to wrest control of the area from rebels, sending thousands of residents fleeing.
The US military said it expected to wrap up the operation by September 15.
The Internet statement, whose authenticity could not be verified, said weapons "developed by the mujahedeen (holy warriors)," would be used "unless the armed onslaught against the city of Tal Afar stops within 24 hours."
It was posted on one of the Islamist websites used by the group of Al-Qaeda's frontman in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and the Army of Ansar al-Sunna, another insurgent group linked to the Al-Qaeda network.
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