Al-Qaeda in Iraq backs Syrian oppositon

Al-Qaeda in Iraq have extended their support to rebel groups fighting to oust President Bashar al–Assad’s regime in Syria. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the group’s leader, said: “We extend our hands and hearts to the people striving for the sake of God in the land of Sham,” during an audio message broadcast on jihadist websites and networks on Tuesday. The organisation has meanwhile claimed Jabhat al-Nusra, also known as the Victory Front, is directly linked to al-Baghdadi’s al-Qaeda cell in Iraq. Jabhat al-Nusra has gained increasing notoriety since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, carrying out bombing campaigns on military and security positions across the country. The group was added to Washington’s international list of terrorist organisations late last year. Al-Baghdadi called for the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) and Jabhat al-Nusra to find under one name - The Islamic State of Iraq and Sham– to solidy ties.