Britain 'risks 11 Sept attacks'

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Britain faces the prospect of 11 September-style attacks if it takes part in US-led military action against Iraq, a radical Islamic cleric warned today.

Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammed, UK-based leader of the fundamentalist Al-Muhajiroun group, said he was aware of threats from Islamist radicals abroad to attack in retaliation for any assault on Iraq.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sheikh Mohammed said he condemned all violence, but described the 11 September suicide hijackingsas "a direct response to the evil American policy in the Muslim world".

He said: "We are giving advice to the British Government of the consequences of involving themselves in attacking Iraq."

Asked if he had specific information of threats against Britain, the Sheikh responded: "If you are in my position and listening to the talk and discussion on the internet and aware about Islamic activities, you will be worried. There are Muslims-abroad who believe they are at war with the West."

He added: "We want to see what happened on 11 September, which was a direct response to the evil American policy in the Muslim world. If they are attacking Muslims in Iraq, maybe some Muslims abroad will retaliate."

British Muslims were at risk of being accused of supporting terrorism at the same time as being the targets of terrorists because they are living in the West, he said. "I call on the Muslim community to be patient and not to involve themselves in anything doubtful if any fight starts," he said.

Asked if he thought the 11 September attacks were justified, Sheikh Mohammed responded: "It is not justified to kill anybody. I am against violence but that doesn't mean putting your heads in the sand.

"I think the British government taking action would be very dangerous for the security and stability in the region, and also for the security of the Muslim community in this country."

 

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