On the eve of the anniversary of the London bombings, al- Jazeera television aired video footage of al-Qaeda deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri praising one of the suicide bombers, who also appeared on the tape to threaten more attacks.
"What you have witnessed now is only the beginning of a string of attacks that will continue and become stronger until you pull your forces out of Afghanistan and Iraq and until you stop your financial and military support to America and Israel," said the bearded man, identified as Shehzad Tanweer, in a testament filmed before the July 7th, 2005 bombings.
Tanweer was one of the bombers who attacked London's transport system last year, killing 52 people. His comments were in English, but were dubbed into Arabic. He was wearing a red-and-white chequered turban.
British police said they were aware of the tape, which was broadcast yesterday.
"There can be no doubt that the release of the video at this time can only cause maximum hurt and distress to the families and friends of those who died [ on July 7th] and the hundreds of people who were injured in the terrorist attacks," London Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman said. "We are sure that the overwhelming majority of all communities are united in condemning any attempt to justify last year's terrorist attacks in London."
Al-Jazeera said Zawahiri praised Tanweer, saying: "He [ Tanweer] studied physical fitness at university and he had a passion for boxing. Even though he was from a well-off family, his clothes and appearance didn't show that."
Al-Jazeera said al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden also praised the London attacks. The video showed a picture of bin Laden, but his voice could not be heard.