Iraq Qaeda-led group forms coalition

[ECH1969]

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iraqi militant group led by al Qaeda said it formed a coalition to step up the fight against U.S.-led forces and urged Sunni Muslim tribal leaders to join, according to a Web video posted on Thursday.

The Mujahideen Shura Council said the "Mutayibeen Coalition" already counted as its members three smaller insurgent groups and leaders of "loyal" Sunni tribes. The new body was named after an historic coalition formed to unite a major Arab tribe.

"We call on all the mujahideen (holy fighters), scholars, tribal elders and dignitaries to join hands with their brothers in the coalition to implement God's sharia, expel the occupiers and bring victory to God's oppressed people," said a voice on the video tape posted on a main Islamist Web site.

"We swear by God to do our utmost to free our prisoners and to rid Sunnis from the oppression of the rejectionists (Shi'ite Muslims) and the crusader occupiers...," the men on the video pledged. The video tape's authenticity could not be verified.

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