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Nation prepared to tackle any terror threat: IAF Chief

by IBNS 05 Sep 2014, 10:21 am

New Delhi, Sept 5 (IBNS): A day after Al-Qaeda supremo Ayman Al Zawahiri released a terror threat, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Friday asserted that the nation is fully prepared to tackle any terror threat on its territory, media reported.

Raha was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on the role of Air Force in the 1965 war with Pakistan. 

According to him, IAF is ready for any eventuality and can tackle terror threats. 

When asked about Al-Qaeda’s video message to start India-specific terror wing, media quoted Arup Raha saying, “There is a threat perception from such agencies but the nation is prepared for it.”

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 Al Zawahiri announced the India wing of their terror outfit 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 on Thursday 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. 

The United States has expressed concern over the reported formation of Al Qaeda's India branch and said the country is committed to dismantling the militant group anywhere that 'it poses a threat to the United States'. 

During a press briefing on Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Marie Harf has said, “We obviously are concerned about any recruitment or efforts by terrorists or violent extremist groups anywhere in the world.”