CENTCOM has moved quickly today to translate the audio tape released by Ayman al-Zawahiri.  The last message Zawahiri released was on December 22, 2006 in the form of a video.  On the issue of Somalia, the sole topic of his audio tape, Zawahiri says the ICU and foreign jihadists are on “the southern garrison of Islam”  That means, I presume, if you’re a Muslim living south of Somalia, you’re on your own and Al Qaida doesn’t seek to bother you.

Today’s audio message is only about Somalia, likely released after the ICU and jihadis retreated like the Evans boys used to at the dinner table on ‘Salmon Croquet Fridays.’  Included in the message is the following:

While I am addressing you today, the Crusader invading Ethiopian forces are violating the Islamic land of dear Somalia. Moreover, the Security Council is plotting to approve this invasion by issuing its resolution to dispatch international forces to Somalia and by its failure to issue a resolution that calls for the withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces from Somalia. Here, I am urging the Islamic nation in Somalia to be steadfast in this new Crusader battlefield, which America, its allies, and the United Nations are waging against Islam and Muslims . . .

My Muslim brothers in Somalia: Do not be terrified by America’s power as you have defeated it before, thanks to God and His grace.

Today, America is weaker than before as the mujahidin dealt a fatal blow to it in Afghanistan and Iraq. Hence, it sent its slaves to you. Therefore, do not be affected by the first shock, it is just worthless propaganda, arrogance, and haughtiness. The real battle will begin by launching your campaigns against the Ethiopian forces with God’s help and might. The faithful groups– in their pursuit of death for the sake of God– will devour the Crusader invading Ethiopian Army, which has launched an aggression against the lands of Islam, God willing.

Similarly to what happened in Afghanistan and Iraq where the strongest world power has been defeated in the face of mujahid groups that long for paradise, its slaves will face similar defeat on the land of Muslim, mujahid Somalia, God willing. Therefore, employ ambushes, mines, raids, and martyrdom-seeking campaigns so as to devour them exactly as lions devour their preys. Moreover, when you pursue your jihad, make sure you adhere to the creed of loyalty and purity and let the Koran be your reference, as God says: And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them verily Allah guideth not a people unjust [part of Koranic verse]

Zawahiri also calls for jihadis to sign up to fight in Somalia and reveals what he calls “one of the greatest secrets behind the success of jihad in Afghanistan and Iraq.”  That secret is “he who cooperates with the invaders is similar to them and shall face the same disgraceful fate.”  That’s not exactly a secret, yet it is also not true either.  The victims among the Iraqi populace have not all cooperated with the Coalition, rather many just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when Al Qaida in Iraq decides they want a headline.

Read the full text translation of Zawahiri’s audio tape.