Preparing strike on US soil,says Iraq Qaeda chief

Al-Baghdadi also invited Muslims to come to Iraq to join his movement and warned the US that it would soon see militant attacks on its territory,although it is unclear whether he was referring to attacks by his Iraqi network or by other al-Qaeda affiliates.

He said that Iraqis who allied with the government and the Americans could repent; reports that al-Qaeda killed penitents were lies. Al-Baghdadi said to the US: You will see the mujahideen holy warriors at the heart of your country,since our war with you has only started now.

The statement comes as Sunni insurgents,now believed to be dominated by the Islamic State of Iraq,step up attacks against Shias,government officials and other targets,in what is seen as a bit to undercut the authority of Iraqs state and revive sectarian conflict.