Sunni militants from the group Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia claimed over the weekend that recent attacks in Iraq were part of a retalitory campaign in the wake of the killing of Osama Bin Laden.
The group declared that it would launch 100 attacks, stretching from this the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and continuing until their goal was met. The group looks to have begun its campaign last week, when around 100 were killed in attacks throughout the country. The New York Times reports that the group realesed a statement saying that:
the campaign would include attacks on buildings, suicide bombers, roadside bombs and snipers and would be carried out in cities and rural areas. “The enemies of God should know we do not forget and that pure blood will not go in vain,” it said.
Although Sunni extremist groups have been limited in the damage that they could inflict on the populace in recent years, they are still capable of conducting operations which take a heavy toll.
As U.S. troops leave, these groups will no doubt continue attacks such as these, seeking to make their mark and claim victory. They will also seek out any who they feel directly or indirectly contributed to the U.S. war effort, be they Iraqi politicians, soldiers in the new Iraqi army, or civilians who worked as contractors or translators for the U.S.
Iraq militants say violence is to avenge Bin Laden – New York Times