Only the most willful form of blindness...

...could cause one to fail to notice the links between the Chechen jihadis and the global jihad.

Chechen mujahedin commander Ebu Zer, of Turkey, with Emir Dokku, in a recent video

Chechen rebel urges global jihad

A Chechen Muslim rebel leader is reported to have described the US, Britain and Israel as legitimate targets in a jihad, or holy war.

Doku Umarov said it was not just the Russian security forces who deserved to be attacked.

The separatist leader said all those who fight Muslims anywhere in the world were enemies.

Other Chechen separatists have denounced the statement, which was sent to US-backed Radio Liberty.

It was made earlier this month, apparently to coincide with the birthday of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but a video of it has only just been received by the radio station.

Mr Umarov said: "Our brothers are fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Palestine.

"Our common enemies are all those who have attacked Muslims wherever they are.

"Not only Russia, but also the USA, the UK, Israel and all those waging war against Islam and Muslims are our enemies."

Posted on 11 November 2007 @ 15:25 GMT