Australian intelligence examines terror video

SYDNEY - Threats of terrorism attacks by a masked man with an Australian accent on Arab television are being examined by Australian intelligence officers, the attorney-general's office says.

A videotape of a man wearing a balaclava and speaking English with an Australian accent was aired on the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya satellite channel and repeated on Australian TV.

The videotaped message, whose authenticity has not been confirmed, warned that more terrorist attacks would be launched on the West.

A spokeswoman at the attorney-general's office said Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had made the department aware of the footage and was taking the matter seriously.

"We've been advised that ASIO is looking at the footage very carefully and will keep us informed of any developments," the spokeswoman said.

The masked man, wearing combat gear and holding an automatic rifle, boasted about a recent attack that killed United States troops in Afghanistan.

He slammed US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair over their involvement in Iraq.

The video also featured blurred footage said to be of a rocket attack on a helicopter that killed 16 US soldiers in June.

The man, against a backdrop of trees, claimed a group of al Qaeda fighters carried out the operation.

"The animals under Islam will not just let you kill our families in Palestine, Afghanistan, Kashmir and the Balkans, Indonesia, the Caucuses and elsewhere," the masked man said.

"It is time for us to be equals. As you kill us, you'll be killed. As you bomb us, you will be bombed."

An Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesman said security agencies were assessing the message.

"The AFP is aware of the video message aired on the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya satellite channel currently being played in the Australian media," the spokesman said.

"Security agencies are currently assessing the videotaped message.

"Authenticity of the video has not yet been established."

He said it was inappropriate for the agency to comment further.

- AAP