As London braces for another feared attack, two prominent British Islamic militants say British civilians are fair targets.
“We don’t live in peace with you anymore,” said Abu Uzair in an interview on BBC Newsnight.
Abu Uzair and Abu Izzadeen — both British citizens — justified and even praised the attacks, which killed 52 people. “What I would say about those who do suicide operations or martyrdom operations — ‘suicide’ is a phrase coined by the media, they’re completely praise-worthy,” said Abu Izzadeen.
Both men previously were associated with a militant group in London that celebrated the 9/11 attacks, calling the hijackers “The Magnificent 19.” For years, the group’s leader has advocated violent attacks outside Britain.
British authorities now are investigating whether some of London’s radical imams played a role in inciting or indoctrinating the bombers. Many attended the most radical mosques.
NBC News found the cousin of suicide bomber Shahzad Tanweer in Pakistan. Ishfaq Ahmad says Tanweer admired Osama bin Laden. “At times he used to praise him [bin Laden] — that he is good man,” said Ahmad.
Italian officials say Osman Hussain, one of the men suspected of the July 21 aborted bombings, claims he was shown videos of Muslim women and children being killed in Iraq and Afghanistan to stoke his anger.
On Wednesday, Dr. Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, a leading British Muslim, said it’s time to crack down on those who preach hate. "They have to be kept behind bars, in prisons," says Siddiqui.
The incendiary comments by militants only add to the anxiety in London: Thursday marks four weeks since the first bombings.
British authorities say there’s no specific intelligence pointing to another attack, but plenty of reason to believe there are more cells out there.