Abu Musab Zarqawi, the Jordanian who officials say turned Fallujah into a nerve center for terrorist attacks around Iraq, issued a five-minute audiotape urging on insurgents in Fallujah. His Tawhid and Jihad organization accounts for a significant share of the fighters in the city, but officials said they believe Zarqawi left Fallujah before the fighting began.
"The banner of the Jihad has been raised and is waving," the tape said. " The arms of the heroes of Islam have grown stronger in Iraq, and the hearts of the people of Islam are pounding with joy, and awaiting a growing hope."
Zarquawi, also known as 'Reg' in the Movement, went on to say, "I encourage my freedom fighters to defend their positions to the death, and victory is certain. There is not one of us here who would not gladly lay down our lives for the Movement with you, but we unfortunately have meetings to attend elsewhere that just can't be put off. We tried, but you know how it is with meetings. Anyway, good-luck, all the best, and we'll all get together again in Paradise. Enjoy those houris! Ta-ta"
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