Al-Qaeda's second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahri has warned the United States and Britain of more attacks, saying they would not rest in peace until they pulled their troops from Iraq and other Muslim states.
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His video aired today was the first to directly focus on Britain's policies, warning Britons of more attacks after last month's bomb blasts against London's transport system, which killed more than 50 people.
Al- Zawahri, Osama bin Laden's deputy, also repeated previous threats against the United States.
"What you have seen in New York, Washington and Afghanistan, are only the initial losses," he said, referring to the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States for which al-Qaeda claimed responsibility.
"If you continue the same hostile policies you will see something that will make you forget the horrors you have seen in Vietnam," added al-Zawahri in the tape aired by Al Jazeera television.
"Our message to you is clear, strong and final: There will be no salvation until you withdraw from our land, stop stealing our oil and resources and end support for infidel, corrupt (Arab) rulers," al-Zawahri said.
"Blair's policies brought you destruction in central London and will bring you more destruction," said al-Zawahri who stopped short of directly claiming responsibility for the London blasts.
At least two groups linked to al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for the London attacks.
Al-Zawahri said the United States was lying about its losses in Iraq as it had in Vietnam and called on Washington to immediately withdraw its troops.
"There is no way out for Washington except by immediate withdrawal. Any delay in this decision means more killing and losses. If you don't withdraw today you will inevitably withdraw tomorrow, but only after tens of thousands are killed and injured."
The tape appeared recent because the London bombings took place in July. Al-Zawahri, wearing a black turban and a white robe, looked older than in previous tapes.
He said Western nations would not live in peace as long as they ignored a truce offer made by bin Laden in April last year.
"To the people of the crusader coalition ... our blessed Sheikh Osama has offered you a truce so that you leave Muslim land. As he said, you will not dream of security until we live it as a reality in Palestine and until all your infidel armies leave Prophet Mohammad's lands," he said.
Al-Zawahri last appeared in a video aired by al-Jazeera in June in which he called for an armed struggle to expel "crusader forces and Jews" from Muslim states and said peaceful change was impossible.