DUBAI (AFP) - An audiotape posted on an Islamist website and attributed to Iraq`s most wanted man Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi called for rebels in Fallujah to resist US forces who launched an offensive this week to retake the rebel-held city.
"O heroes of Islam in Fallujah: blessed be your holy war ... wait another hour and you will harvest results, God willing," said the voice attributed to Zarqawi, the United States` number one enemy in Iraq whom US forces are hunting during their offensive in Fallujah.
"We can no longer doubt that the signs of victory are beginning to appear on the horizon.
"Your sons are creating one of the best epics in the conflict with America and its allies," the recording said, labelled a "call" by Zarqawi to the Islamic nation.
Zarqawi`s Al-Qaeda-linked group has claimed responsibility for a number of the most ferocious attacks in Iraq, including car bombings, kidnappings and beheadings.
"Don`t be fooled by their evil media because everything you listen to is pure lies and falsehoods."
The US military said it controls most of Fallujah after five days of fighting in the city, while an official in Washington said on Tuesday that he believed rebel leaders, including Zarqawi, had probably fled Fallujah.
"I challenge America to tell the truth about what is happening on the battle field. And I also challenge them to allow satellite television channels to enter (Fallujah) to cover the fighting."
11/12/2004 - 16:33 GMT - AFP