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Zarqawi, al-Qaida in Iraq Real Threats to Iraq's Security and Stability

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The following statement from Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, MNF-I spokesman has been released:

"A recent article citing a military briefing from 2004 has called into question the threat that Abu Musab Zarqawi and al-Qaida in Iraq pose to Iraq, dismissing it as 'propaganda' - nothing could be further from the truth.

"AMZ and al-Quida in Iraq have openly declared war on the democratic process in Iraq and are responsible for the overwhelming majority of suicide attacks against the people of Iraq - a tactic developed and honed by him.

"Statements made by AMZ and his organization over the past year attest to the threat and the indiscriminate nature of his attacks. He has called for foreign fighters to come to Iraq and join the jihad; stated that in order to kill infidels it is acceptable to kill women and children in the attacks; declared 'all-out' war against the Shia and told other religious and tribal groups to join his anti-government cause or face attacks; and has called for increased attacks during Ramadan in order to secure victory and to establish a Muslim nation in Iraq.

"As we have always stated, while AMZ and al-Qaida in Iraq do represent a relatively small portion of the overall insurgency, their impact has been ruthlessly devastating. The terrorists and foreign fighters that he recruits, trains and equips carry out more than 90 percent of the insidious suicide attacks against the men, women and children of Iraq - attacks that have killed or injured thousands of Iraqis in the last year alone.

"In a letter from Osama bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, to AMZ the goals of al-Qaida were outlined clearly: Through the use of Iraq for their own purposes, al-Qaida wants to become the dominant influencing power throughout the region.

"Make no mistake, AMZ and al-Qaida in Iraq are real threats to the citizens, security and stability of Iraq and we continue to conduct aggressive operations to eliminate the threat they pose not only to Iraq, but also to the rest of the region."

Additionally, the U.S. government continues to offer up to a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Abu Musab Zarqawi.

Source: Multi-National Force-Iraq