DUBAI, April 27: An audio tape said to be from a senior Saudi Al Qaeda leader warned the militant group would carry out "fierce" attacks this year against US interests and urged Muslims to avoid American civilian and military sites.

But the tape by Abdulaziz al Muqrin, audible on Tuesday through a link on the Dirasat Islamist Web site, which carries statements said to come from senior Al Qaeda and Taliban officials, said last week's suicide car bombing of a security building in the Saudi capital was not the work of Al Qaeda.

The tape was signed off by Muqrin, who is said to have recently taken over leadership of Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia after the killing of former top operative Khaled Ali Ali Haj.

"The Jews, the Americans and crusaders (Christians) in general will remain the targets of our coming attacks and this year, God willing, will be fiercer and harsher for them," said the voice on the tape, which was clearly audible. -Reuters