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A Briton kidnapped in Africa has been beheaded by al Qaeda terrorists demanding the release of radical cleric Abu Qatada from jail.
Tourist Edwin Dyer, 60, was abducted four months ago close to the border between Niger and Mali while on a trip to a music festival and cultural centre dedicated to the nomadic Tuareg people.
Al Qaeda's North African wing said on its website: “The British captive was killed so that he, and with him the British state, may taste a tiny portion of what innocent Muslims taste every day.”
It said disbelievers would be “smitten in the neck”. The news came as President Barack Obama began a tour of the Middle East.
Gordon Brown said: “I utterly condemn this appalling and barbaric act of terrorism. My thoughts are with Edwin Dyer's family. I offer them the condolences of the whole country.
“I want those who would use terror against British citizens to know beyond doubt that we and our allies will pursue them relentlessly, and that they will meet the justice they deserve.”
The terrorists said the beheading had been carried out after a deadline for the release of Qatada from Long Lartin high security prison in Worcestershire passed without response.
Mr Dyer's ordeal started when Tuareg tribesmen attacked his group of tourists travelling back into Niger from a festival of nomad culture in the neighbouring west African country of Mali on 22 January.
The captives are then believed to have been sold to Algerian al Qaeda terrorists operating in Mali.
Four other hostages, including two Canadian diplomats, were released in Mali in April, after negotiations with al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the terror group's North African wing. But Mr Dyer and a Swiss tourist, Werner Greiner, were kept hostage.
The kidnappers, led by Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, one of the most senior figures of al Qaeda in the Islamic Mahgreb, had demanded the release of Qatada, currently awaiting extradition to Jordan on terror charges.
Although ministers refused to meet that demand, secret negotiations involving the Malian government and others had been taking place in a bid to secure Mr Dyer's freedom. Foreign Secretary David Miliband said: “Our immediate thoughts are with his family. This is a terrible moment for them, in which their worst fears have been confirmed.”
Mr Miliband added that Britain would continue to work to secure the release of the remaining hostage and also vowed to try to track down Mr Dyer's killers. He said: “Our commitment to tackling international terrorism remains unchanged.”
Ken Bigley, an engineer from Liverpool who was kidnapped in Baghdad in September 2004, was also beheaded. Later that year aid worker Margaret Hassan, who appeared on a video begging not to “die like Ken Bigley”, was also murdered. It is believed she was shot.
Osama bin Laden today claimed in a recording broadcast on Al Jazeera televison that Mr Obama had planted seeds for “revenge and hatred” towards the US in the Muslim world.
Bin Laden said the President was continuing in the steps of his predecessor George W Bush and told Americans to be prepared for the consequences of the White House's policies.
Reader views (49)
What the hell is wrong with England these days? You guys have more corrupt politicians than we do. Not to mention the whole country is completely dependent on the gov for healthcare, you can't have guns, and gay marriage is applauded. Do you people like England anymore? Do you think the liberal left in America and even that dumbass Barack Nobama is right in protecting these al quaeda scums of the earth? I guess it is not ok and even very wrong to treat them so poorly, waterboarding, because they are such good upstanding individuals.
- Trevor Guillory, Chico, CA, Good ole US of A
Boy, it sure is a good thing that he was a hostage of followers of the religion of peace...to think what could have happened if...
What's that you said? They did what? What?!
Nevermind.
- Sule, kona usa
How many terrorists or suspects were killed by water-boarding? How many lost their heads while wearing a dog collar or leash? How many died because of sleep deprivation, loud music or 24 hour light? Zero is the answer. Do not even compare this act with anything the US did. This is exactly what the liberals forget about. Would they rather have their heads removed or be water-boarded? You anti-American pigs make me sick
- Mitchellf, Eastern, North Carolina
Easy, Randy. Robert was only using his keen wit to illustrate the moral inequity of American indignancies perpertrated on suspected terrorists weighed against al Qaeda barbarities inflicted on innocent tourists.
But it's sad when you think that once upon a time Americans were well-loved by most. We had all the personal liberties prescribed by natural law, minded our own business in the world, and thrived as a people. Could it be that the moral argument is also the most practical one?
Look at us now - broke and on the verge of enslaving future generations with more debt (an unforgivable moral crime); clawing to hold on to what remains of our personal freedoms; and hated by friends and enemies alike. How can the details of who did what to whom matter anymore? Our economy is on the verge of collapse - no matter what the alchemists at the Central Bank say.
The question we as Americans must ask ourselves is critical and absolute: do we choose to live in a free society that values personal liberty, sound economic principles, and a responsible, mature foreign policy; or do we elect to expand our military empire abroad, creating more enemies everyday, and watching dumbly as Washington chisels away at the Constitution. Eventually they will turn the guns inward to subdue the civil disorder that always accompanies economic strife, high unemployment, and hyperinflation. And all this destruction and heartbreak, just to continue to be the most hated nation in the world.
- Anthony, oc, california
Please, Maybe YOU the British can HELP >The DRONES< to understand what these PEOPLE want to do...Destroy the WESTERN WORLD...I know EUROPE has a HUGE PROBLEM and is slowly but surely being OVERRUN.
America WAKE UP, Europe WAKE UP!!WWII will seem like a Walk in the Clouds....
- A.Andreu, Miami, FL U.S.A.
An eye for an eye.
The animals we are fighting are the moral equivalent
of sewer rats.Quite often when fighting sewer rats,it
is necessary to climb down into the sewers.
P.S.My apolagies to sewer rats every where.
- B.T.Bartram, Yellowstone,USA
If the Soviets were still around and this was done to one of them they would hunt down the terrorist and kill them. The terrorist would be so scared they would never do it again. Why cant we?
- John, Texas USA
I'd rather be water boarded, collared, and caged than to be beheaded for being a tourist! Your comment was moronic and completely ignorant of the facts! This man is not a war criminal!, not involved in terrorism or insurgency! He was attending a MUSIC festival for Gods sake! And if you think "we" Americans are so horrible why don't you move to Mali, Niger or maybe Magadishu! They'll love YOU.
- Randy, Orange, CA
When will the west understand that we are in a "Holly War"! The radical Islamic nations understand this and are fighting to win. They use everything against us. Our laws, our willing media, everything! We are fretting over so called "torture" by making terrorists wear women's underwear on their heads while they behead innocent civilians! We prosecute our soldiers for defending themselves in a war we sent them into! If we don't hurry and wake up to what is really happening, our civilization will be gone! Look back at the history of the west and the wars that we did win. We didn’t fight them like we do now. The bleeding-heart liberals will drag us all down with them! Get rid of the spineless so called leaders we have, Brown and Obama. They’ll only say how sorry they are and how they will “hunt them down” and then do nothing! We better start fighting to win!
- Mike Conerly, Pikeville, NC
At least they didnt pour water over his face, put a leash on him or put him in a naked pyramid like us horrible Americans.Just get ready for more of this because Obama is in way over his head.
- Robert Sidor, Bear Lake, Michigan USA
I wish to give my condolences to the family. There is nothing more horrific than beheading, and these monsters know that.
These monsters need to be gunned down on sight.
- Bobc, Ky USA
Why is there no world outcry? These poor souls. Maybe the government should deal out a little "eye for an eye" and execute the terrorist they demanded to be released. Instead they will just whimper and roll over.
- Appl, Washington DC
I repudiate 'Muslim'. Whatever. Just, all... go somewhere.
By holding,and holding, on to him, you ARE negotiating with terrorists. We are what we do. Who killed cock robin?
- Turned Worm, Berkshire UK
I want to hear Muslim leaders, teachers and faithful clearly denounce this barbarity with vigor; to plainly call it murder of an innocent, defenseless victim in the name of the religion of Islam and Islam's God and therefore blasphemous and diabolical; hear Muslims reject unequivocally this savage practice of chopping off heads while the butchers scream “Allahu Akbar” as contrary to the spirit, teaching and practice of Orthodox Islam. The world wants to hear expressions of horror, outrage and sorrow from good and faithful Muslims and signs that they will do everything possible to show that true Islam is not vengeful, hateful, barbaric and unforgiving but brotherhood and love as witnessed by thousands and thousands of good Muslims in every country of the world!
- Ben Joseph, USA
It's horrible that this happened to that man. People really should think twice before going on an exotic vacation. Furthermore even though I enjoy British journalism I do think its a bit crazy for journalists to go to dangerous places simply for the amusement and entertainment of strangers. I think British people often go over-board with their cosmopolitan behavior sometimes.
- Patrick, USA
Eye for an Eye get rid of the EEC and the Human Rights Law and kill Abu Qutada. There is no Law for the Victims.
- Stan White, leeds
This sort of atrocity is going to continue until it becomes accepted international activity, or until some government decides that normal diplomacy won't work. Perhaps Sly Stallone will come out of retirement and become a real Rambo. These people are evil and have no form of conscience. The only thing they will understand is force greater than theirs.
- Ichatit, Ft Walton Beach, USA
- kate, london wrote: "For those cowards claiming to act for Islam, they have never bothered to read the Quran, which explicitly forbids such barbaric crimes."
sorry kate, it's just the opposite in the koran... and the sura... same for the hadith. violence is the essence of islam and beheading is it's messenger.
- Howard, seattle, usa
Dom - London "I'm sure Al Qaeda or whoever they are would not like it if innocent random muslims where beheaded in the UK as revenge for the beheadings elsewhere."
Oh yes they would like that a LOT. it is pretty much what they want so they can claim to be the victims.
- Barry, woking, surrey, UK
Tuaregs are not muslim--just a nomadic band that has for more than a 1000 years taken slaves for their own use or to sell for a profit. Seems some things haven't changed. Meanwhile, why aren't muslims condemning the terrorists? And... perhaps tourists should think twice about visiting Africa which is not a safe place at all.
- Kari Bart, Leeds, UK
I am very sorry to read this sad news. Al Qaeda is our enemy. They are full of hate which they justify in the name of religion (how crazy, no?) I am also so sorry to see some many radicals running around the UK. Prays go out to the family and loved ones of Mr. Dyer.
- Diane, NYC, USA
And our useless appeasing government won't send this terrorist Quatada back to Jordan incase he is tortured.The sooner we get a government with guts in power the better.
- Carol Taylor, romford england
Chop Abu Qatada's head off,its the only answer,they only understand violence they all live by violence so why not be violent to them
- Linda, italy
Gordon Brown id right. “We all utterly condemn this appalling and barbaric act of terrorism" They are getting so desperate they have to kill the innocents now. Al Quaeda has lost all credibility and all support by its crude barbarism
- Keith Price, Luton, England
These are the people who claim that their civilisation is superior ti that of the West.
They have hardly moved on from the early days of man. And never will.
- Albert Hall, hove england
Most Muslims are good people and have a faith sadly a few scum bags exist, I wish I had an answer. The truth is; as long as people can justify sick acts like this all we can do is look on in distress and revile them as the scum they are
- Ge, Cornwall
This atrocity is just one more of the sickness named Islam. Either the muslims of the UK condemn this action or get out
- Rob, Rock Ferry Wirral
Ariya Colombo
Im' not sure if you are naive or arrogant. The world doesn't belong to anyone and was created by science.
- David, London
Spot on Mariza!! But since we will continue to pay for him to be fed and entertained while he is incarcerated I can't see anything changing. GET HIM OUT OF THE UK!!!! FILTHY MURDERER!!!
- Karenf, london
If they didn't have Abu Qatada available as an excuse, they'd have found something else. Edwin Dyer was a dead man from the moment he was 'bought' by the killers.
These are just inadequate human beings trying to justify their existence with bottom of the barrel "look at me" actions.
- Rogan, Irving
The religion of peace strikes again.
For those cowards claiming to act for Islam, they have never bothered to read the Quran, which explicitly forbids such barbaric crimes.
Edwin Dyer's family and friends must be in shock and pain, and I wish I could comfort them. Poor man, rest in peace.
- Kate, London
I'm sure Al Qaeda or whoever they are would not like it if innocent random muslims where beheaded in the UK as revenge for the beheadings elsewhere.
- Dom, London
When will the west learn to keep out of other peoples regions. The US do not rule the planet
- Jessica, London
Ariya, Colombo,
YOUR world belongs to Allah, mine doesn't. The sooner you realise this the better our world will be.
- Antonia H, Newcastle
- Jc, se1
Speak for yourself matey, I'm an atheist.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Trouble is "their" god is also our "god". More blood shed in the name of this "god" than anything else in the history of this planet.
- Jc, se1
Get rid of this evil preacher and his followers fast as this is unacceptable....why on earth should he be released and why hasn't he been sent to Jordon...Why do all these people have to spend time in the UK before been deported...it's really cheesing the public off
- Sarah, London
You cannot negotiate with these barbaric savages. The only langauge they know is violence so they must be dealt with accordingly. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until the Labour back benchers boot Gormless Gordon out, hopefully next week
- Trevn, Abu Dhabi
Unfortunately there will be some people in Britain today celebrating the murder of Mr Dyer, which tells you a lot about how our society has been corrupted and how we harbour sick, evil people in our communities instead of rooting them out. My sympathies to Mr Dyer's family and friends.
- Richard K, Nottingham
So why not do the same to this radical clerical who condemns Britain etc, behead him too?
- Mariza, London
No more pussy footing around, send them to hell
- Mark, London
Sick.
- Richard, London
And of course Britain will do nothing but publicly 'condemn' this.
- Steve, London
Disgusting. My thoughts are with his family.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke
Whoever did this abominable act are NOT Muslims, period!
These so-called terror gangs are disgrace to Islamic religion, for if everything in the universe and this world belongs to Allah as the Holy Quran teaches, then no man can take a life that belongs to Allah! The Holy Quran doesn't say that Islam beelongs only to people, who claim to be Muslims, but for all and every human life belongs to Allah, whether or not that human is a Muslim.
so,whoever had done this barbaric action are NOT Muslims, even though they think they are, and they will have to face Allah's wrath!
- Ariya, Colombo, Sri Lanka
How big of them.
- Ge, Cornwall
"The British captive was killed so that he, and with him the British state, may taste a tiny portion of what innocent Muslims taste every day at the hands of the Crusader and Jewish coalition to the east and to the west"
Actually the biggest killer of Muslims has been the likes of Al Qaeda, Hussain, Shari Law, etc. Come on terrorists, you really need to check your facts. Muslim countries such as Iran, still executes Muslim children and stones Muslim women to death.
In Saudi Arabia a girl was gang raped, but instead of punishing the men, the girl was sentenced to 100 lashes and a year in jail.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Does a group called Al Qaeda exist?
Is this not just a collective term for Muslim people that hate the western influence within muslim states and seek to turn us all into Muslim states.
- Gary, brentwood 1
Their god must be so happy for them
- Steve, london
