October 23, 2001	Tuesday	Shaba'an 5, 1422

KABUL, Oct 22: Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar said on Monday his forces had benefited from divine intervention and promised eternal happiness to those killed in the fight against the United States.

“The mujahideen forces of the Islamic Emirate have risen against the pro-American rebels in the centre and north of Afghanistan. Thanks to divine support they have shown stability despite the US attacks,” he said in a statement released through the official Bakhter news agency.

Omar called on Muslims around the world to unite in jihad against the United States, and praised those who have lost their lives during pro-Taliban demonstrations in Pakistan.

“If you can pursue jihad with the sword, a tank or the pen then this is the duty of all Muslims and they should fulfil this sacred obligation,” he said.

“Muslims inside and outside Afghanistan should know that death in this sacred way is martyrdom and will ensure eternal happiness in heaven.

“The Islamic Emirate, with the support of Allah almighty and the prayers of all Muslims around the world will defeat this tyrannical invasion by the United States.” —AFP