Cairo: Al Qaeda's new leader has accused the
United States of hijacking Egypt's popular uprising to
preserve its interests in the Middle East.
Ayman al-Zawahri says the US "has led a peaceful
transition of power, which protects its interests and turns
the popular revolution into a military coup."
A military council has ruled Egypt since the mass
uprising toppled former President Hosni Mubarak in February.
Al-Zawahri urged the Egyptian people to establish Islamic
rule and foil Washington's efforts.
The audio message was posted late yesterday on an
extremist website. Its authenticity could not be immediately
verified.
The Egyptian-born al-Zawahri was named the new al-Qaeda
chief following the US commando raid that killed Osama bin
Laden in May.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, August 09, 2011, 23:56