NEFA Foundation: Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) Issues Messages from German Militants Fighting in Afghanistan
By Evan Kohlmann
The NEFA Foundation has obtained and translated a newly-released German-language propaganda video from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) produced in September 2008. During the video, a group of German nationals fighting with the IMU in Afghanistan offered messages and commentary to those living back home in Europe. According to "Abu Adam the German", "more than 20 organizations are fighting here side-by-side with the same goal. All of their members and commanders have given their oaths of allegiance to a man who found its way into the hearts of each mujahid. We speak of the mujahid Amir al-Mumineen Mullah Mohammad Omar. As far as the jihad in Afghanistan is concerned, there are currently about 30 mujahideen operations per day. About 75% of the country is already under our control. My dear brothers and sisters, I do not say to you merely to come to the the land of jihad. Rather, I say to you, you should be racing one another to come to the land of jihad." Another German national, "Abu Abdullah"-shown sitting amongst a group of young children brandishing automatic weapons-explained, "as you can clearly see, praise be to Allah, this has become a very family-friendly place. So, bring your wives and children. Praise be to Allah, there are living quarters here far away from the front. There are hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, and schools-schools in which our children not only learn about Islam, but also all walks of life and obedience. That is why we advise you all to join together, revive, and live the cause of jihad with your entire family." These sentiments were also echoed in the video by IMU commander Muhammad Tahir Farooq himself, who openly welcomed European recruits, "we invite our brothers and sisters. We invite you to our frontline of jihad. We invite you to martyrdom."
An English transcript of the video can be viewed on the NEFA Foundation website.
