Terrorist group leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is purportedly heard on a new audiotape declaring war on Iraq's January 30th national election.
The speaker, who identifies himself as the al-Qaida-linked terrorist, describes next Sunday's poll as a "wicked trap" aimed at putting Muslim Shi'ites in power in Iraq. The speaker also declares a "fierce war" on the principle of democracy and those who follow what he calls "un-Islamic" ideology.
The tape -- which appeared on an Islamic Internet website -- is the second inflammatory message believed to be from the al-Qaida front man in Iraq since Thursday.
Militants in Iraq have intensified their campaign of intimidation intended to keep voters away from the polls. Since Friday, car bombs have targeted a Shi'ite mosque and wedding party in Baghdad, killing nearly 30 people.