September 12, 2007

Bin Laden to issue video message on 9/11 anniversary

WASHINGTON — Osama Bin Laden plans to issue a video message addressing the American people on the sixth anniversary of the attacks on Sept 11, U.S.-based monitoring service SITE said on Thursday.

"The SITE Intelligence Group has learned that a new video message is forthcoming from the head of al-Qaida" on the 9/11 anniversary, said the group, which monitors extremist websites and publications.

SITE, which is based in Alexandria, Va, said the video was expected within the next 72 hours, or by Sunday. That would come before the sixth anniversary next Tuesday of the World Trade Center attack. The last bin Laden video was in October 2004, shortly before the U.S. presidential elections.


Rita Katz, director of SITE, said bin Laden's beard appeared to have been dyed, which she said is a popular practice in the Middle East.


"I think it works for their benefit that he looks young, he looks healthy," Katz said of the new image.



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