A new video message purportedly by al-Qaida criticizes Pakistani leaders — both past and present — and accuses them of having no concern for the welfare of Muslims.
Monday’s message was posted on militant Web sites commonly used by al-Qaida. In the hour-long video, an unnamed narrator speaking Urdu calls on Pakistani Muslims to prepare for holy war and take up arms against corrupt governments.
Under U.S. pressure, Pakistan launched a military offensive early last month against Taliban and al-Qaida militants in a tribal region along the Afghan border and fighting has raged in the area ever since. The army claims to have killed more than 1,000 militants.
Al-Qaida’s leaders are believed to be hiding somewhere in the lawless tribal regions along the border.