Al-Qaida's leader gives advice to armed followers

The head of al-Qaida in Iraq addressed to his followers in Internet providing a list of do's and don'ts to his troops.

Photo: Al-Qaida's leader gives advice to armed followers

The 30-point list included advice on how to fight and warnings to avoid laziness by repeating a failed attack until it succeeds. Other points give advice on how to deal with each other, and to keep good relations among themselves.

The authenticity of the statement could not be verified, but it was published by an Islamic Web forum that usually carries announcements by militant groups.

It was posted in the name of Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, the alias of the man who took over al-Qaida in Iraq after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed last year in a U.S. airstrike northeast of Baghdad.

Al-Muhajer, who is also known as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, listed several points that his insurgent leaders - known as princes - should follow.

"The Prince must study the combat site well, and not fight in a position that could have a flaw," one point said.

In another point, he advises his followers to be energetic and in the case of a failed attack to "repeat it."

In the statement, al-Muhajer tried to connect his points to the Quran and hadith - the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad - in order to enforce them.