Syrian Jihad Group to Lebanese Government: Lift Siege From Nahr Al-Bared, or Suffer "Hell, Kidnappings, Sniper Fire, and Beheadings"

Islamist websites have posted a communiqué dated June 11, 2007, by the jihad organization Jama'at Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad in Syria, in which the organization threatens to harm Lebanese interests, officials, and citizens in Syria unless Lebanon lifts the siege from the Nahr Al-Bared refugee camp. The following are excerpts:

"After a meeting between the security liaison of Fath Al-Islam, the commander [of Jama'at Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad in Syria] Abu Jandal Al-Dimashqi, and members of the organization's Shura Council - during which [Abu Jandal] determined the nature of [Fath Al-Islam] and its goals with regard to defending Islam and establishing the Islamic state that is the dream of every Muslim - the Shura Council... took the following decisions:

"[The organization members] must assist Fatah Al-Islam with [their] wealth and [their] lives, and with any equipment necessary for jihad...

"We warn the Lebanese government that unless it lifts the siege [from the Nahr Al-Bared refugee camp], we will target its crucial interests and kidnap its officials and citizens in Syria, and any [attempt to] negotiate their release will be to no avail...

"If the Lebanese government fails to meet these demands, it can expect hell, kidnappings, sniper fire, and beheadings. We swear that we have no mercy for infidels, and especially for those who have soiled their hands with the blood of the honorable [people] of Nahr Al-Bared. Beware! The men of Jama'at Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad walk among you."