The new leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq vowed to avenge Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's death and threatened horrific attacks "in the coming days," according to a statement posted on an Islamist website -- the first from the new terrorist leader.
"Don't be overcome with joy about killing our sheik Abu Musab (al-Zarqawi), God bless his soul, because he has left lions behind him," it said.
The statement was posted one day after the group announced that a man identified by the nom de guerre Abu Hamza al-Muhajir would succeed the Jordanian-born militant as its leader.
Al-Zarqawi died on Wednesday in a US airstrike on a safehouse in Baqouba, north of Baghdad.
"You crusaders, what will happen in the coming days is something that will turn your children's hair white -- battles that will reveal the falsehood of (your) might, the weakness of your soldiers and your lies," the statement said.
The statement, posted on a website that frequently airs militant messages, appeared with the black banner of Al-Qaeda in Iraq and photos of al-Zarqawi alive and dead. Its authenticity could not be verified.
President George W Bush, who made a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday, said a day earlier that al-Muhajir would join the ranks of those sought by the US.
{{/usCountry}}President George W Bush, who made a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday, said a day earlier that al-Muhajir would join the ranks of those sought by the US.
{{/usCountry}}"I think the successor to Zarqawi is going to be on our list to bring to justice," Bush said.
In Wednesday's message, al-Muhajir vowed to continue his predecessor's fight, saying "holy warriors" in Iraq were "stronger than ever.