Iraq

Militants Seek to Avenge Bin Laden

Pledge 100 attacks.

Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, one of the most powerful insurgent groups in Iraq, has released a statement pledging a 100-attack campaign in the name of Osama bin Laden. A series of more than 40 attacks on Monday that killed over 90 people is thought to have been part of the campaign. It was the deadliest day in Iraq this year. “We began this stage with an invasion we have called the battle of revenge for Sheik Osama bin Laden and other senior leaders,” said a statement posted on the Internet. “The enemies of God should know we do not forget and that pure blood will not go in vain." AQIM is not nearly as strong as it was during the height of sectarian violence in 2006 and 2007, according to the U.S. military, but it still has the capability to carry out deadly attacks. The Iraqi Sunni and foreign fighter group is expected to strike using suicide bombers, roadside bombs, and snipers in both cities and rural areas.