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Washington: Al Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden warned Iraq's Shiites against collaborating with Americans in a new recording posted on the internet.
In his fifth audio recording this year, Bin Laden also warned Iraqi Shiites they "cannot just take part with America and its allies" in the war against Sunni militants, "and expect that their areas will be safe from a reaction and harm."
During the recording, which has not yet been verified, Bin Laden also endorsed new Al Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Hamza Al Muhajar, urging him to step up "the struggle" in Iraq. Al Muhajar was appointed following the killing of former leader Abu Musab Al Zarqawi by US troops last month.
The comments may increase the conflict between Iraq's Sunnis and Shiites as Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki and his American allies tried to ease tensions between the country's religious communities.
In an attempt to boost the morale of Al Qaida members in Iraq, Bin Laden stressed that the Islamic community was depending on them.
He said, "Stay steadfast and don't leave Baghdad, otherwise all the capitals in the region will fall to the crusaders," referring to the US-led coalition.
He also warned nations not to send troops to Somalia, where Islamic militants have taken control of the capital and most of the southern part of the country.
The White House responded to the comments by accusing Bin Laden of using the media to justify violence that is hindering efforts by the new Iraqi government to mend sectarian strife.
A statement by the Bush administration read by a White House official said, "These terrorists offer nothing in their ideology and messages beyond future fighting, conflict and misery."
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