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german.pages.deVenice Seized by Islamic TerroristsSome 65,000 Inhabitants and 18,000 Tourists Taken Hostage Italian Government Desperate Rome, Sept. 11, 2005 — (GP-DR Int. Service) During last night, an unknown but apparently large number of armed terrorists entered the lagoon of Venice by ship, coming from the Adriatic Sea, and occupied the city. The small Italian navy garrison and the armed police (carabinieri), taken by surprise and being largely unarmed, were unable to offer much resistance to the terrorists who had hijacked several passenger ferries normally in service between Punta Sabbioni on the mainland near Jesolo, and the Riva degli Schiavoni next to St. Marc's Square. After landing at St. Marc's, heavily armed men of apparently Arab nationality grabbed speedboats, rushed through the Grand Canal to the Piazzale Roma at the end of the road connecting Venice with the mainland, and blew up both the road and the railway tracks. For the first time since the mid-19th century, Venice is not linked to continental Europe anymore. According to reports reaching us by phone from Venice, the terrorists have established their headquarters in the Doge's Palace on St. Marc's Square. A website frequently used by Al-Qaeda identified the invaders as Saif-al Banadiqin, an unknown group whose name in old Egyptian language means “Sword of the Venetians.” Word of the invasion spread like wildfire in the old city, and many people tried to flee by boat. However, the invaders have blocked the Canal of the Giudecca, the Grand Canal and other waterways by sinking large vaporetto boats, and sprayed escaping boats and gondole with gunfire. Over one hundred governments including some of Islamic nations, and the Pope, have sent messages of sympathy and support to the Italian government which since early morning is engaged in continuous crisis meetings, trying to find ways to save the city and the population without resorting to force. A new page which appeared on the Al-Qaeda website around 11 a.m. is shedding some light on the motivations and objectives of the occupiers. “We, a detachment of the Army of Allah, have taken possession of the City of Venice, the main supporter of the crusaders and the establishment of the Christian kingdom of Jerusalem in 1099 of Christian calendar. From now on the city will be called by its Arabic name Al Bunduqiyyah and will constitute the first liberated Arab state in southern Europe since Mohamed Aly Pasha of Egypt left Crete in 1841 of Christian calendar. "The so-called church of Marc, fitting its architecture, has been converted to mosque, and both the population of the city and the tourists are free to take religious education and aspire at conversion to the true belief. We are offering this exceptional grace because it was in Al Bunduqiyyah in 1521 of Christian calendar that the Holy Q'uran was first printed in Arabic by Paganini. "This is a stern warning to the Government of Italy, the European Union, Nato, the United States of America and other crusaders not to attempt to invade Al Bunduqiyyah by force. We have mined all important churches and all major historic palaces along the Grand Canal and are ready to blow them up at the slightest sign of interference with Allah's plans. Also, we have taken control of the city's water supply and could instantly distribute poison through the system. "Conditions for the release of tourists who do not wish to convert to Islam will soon be announced. "Allahu akhbar! (God is Great) Headlines About the Seizure of Venice
· The Venetian troops, the “Lagunari” absent on mission in Iraq (La Repubblica} Stay tuned for more news. |