Of course the term “worshippers of the cross” goes back to the earliest texts of Islam, and was synonymous with the hated Byzantines. At the Battle of Yarmuk (636), one Muslim complained to Caliph Omar by saying, “Know O Omar that that dog of the Romans [Emperor Heraclius] has frustrated our efforts by the ubiquitous presence of the cross.” Two years ago, al-Qaeda threatened to slit the throats of worshippers of the cross. More on this story.
“Al-Qaeda threatens new punishment to Denmark,” from the Malaysia Sun, September 6:
A new al-Qaeda video has warned the group will punish Denmark over newspaper caricatures of Islam’s founder.
The video also identifies the Saudi national who was behind a suicide bombing at the Danish Embassy in Pakistan.
The alleged bomber, Kamal Saleem Atiyyah al-Fudli al-Hathli, makes an appearance in the video wearing an explosives vest.
He is shown warning of more attacks “to the worshippers of the cross in Denmark” and says: ‘We will wipe you from the face of the Earth.’
The June 2 blast killed six people, including a Danish citizen.
Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility, saying it was carried out to fulfill Osama bin Laden’s promise to exact revenge for the of a dozen cartoons showing the Prophet Muhammad.
Islam forbids any depiction of Muhammad, even favorable, for fear it could lead to idolatry.
The video also shows al-Qaeda’s top commander in Afghanistan, Mustafa Abu al-Yazeed, who also warns of more attacks.
It had been thought al-Yazeed had been killed in August in Paksitan’s tribal area.