US 'concerned' over 'formation' of new Al Qaeda wing

During a pres briefing on Thursday,  State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said: "We obviously are concerned about any recruitment or efforts by terrorists or violent extremist groups anywhere in the world. We’re not able to verify those reports yet, and – hold on."

Harf said: "Yes, we haven’t been able to verify that yet. Obviously, we’re looking to see if there’s more information we can get about this here. We have remained committed to dismantling al-Qaida anywhere that it poses a threat to the United States, make sure it doesn’t again pose a threat to the United States, particularly in that region. We also don’t regard this announcement as an indication of any new capabilities by al-Qaida."

In a new video released on Wednesday, the dreaded Al Qaeda leader has announced the formation of an Indian wing of the terrorists to take forward the "jihad" in this part of the world.

Al-Qaeda chief Ayman AlZawahiri  announced the India wing for the Muslims of Burma, Bangladesh, Assam, Gujarat and Kashmir. He said the new wing will be in support of the Muslims facing oppression.

“Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent would be good news for Muslims in Burma, Bangladesh and in the Indian states of Assam, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir where they would be rescued from injustice and oppression,” Zawahiri was heard saying in Urdu and Arabic language.

In the 55 minute video message, Al-Qaeda supremo also lent his support to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

According to media sources, Intel agencies have told HM that as of now, no Al-Qaeda activities has been found in this country.

The Indian government has issued a nationwide alert following the release of a video message of the Al-Qaeda chief , where he was seen announcing the formation of India branch of his militant outfit.