Zarqawi calls on insurgents to continue their resistance

Iraq: An audio tape from al-Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi urged insurgents in Falluja to resist US-led attacks on the rebel…

Iraq: An audio tape from al-Qaeda ally Abu Musab al-Zarqawi urged insurgents in Falluja to resist US-led attacks on the rebel city, saying victory was certain.

"We have no doubt that the signs of God's victory will appear on the horizon," said the speaker, who sounded like Zarqawi in the tape posted on websites used by Islamists.

"O you heroes of Islam in Falluja. . .don't be selfish with your lives," said the voice, which the websites said was Zarqawi. "America and those with them felt the winds of jihad which will shake their thrones and foundations. I speak to you, my nation, as the blood of your sons is flowing in Iraq and especially in Falluja after the onslaught of crusaders," he said.

Supporters of Zarqawi's Al-Qaeda Organisation of Holy War in Iraq are reported to be among the insurgents fighting US and Iraqi forces in Falluja.

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Another insurgent organisation, the Army of Ansar al-Sunna, said on its website it had joined Zarqawi's group and the Islamic Army in Iraq in a rare joint attack on a government building south of Baghdad.

Zarqawi's group has claimed responsibility for hostage beheadings and some of Iraq's bloodiest suicide attacks.

The Army of Ansar al-Sunna has kidnapped and killed several hostages, including 11 Iraqis, 12 Nepalese men and several Iraqi Kurds.

The Islamic Army has claimed several attacks and kidnappings, including the abduction of two French journalists.