Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula threatens to take revenge for al-Awlaki's death

Washington, Oct 11 (ANI): Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), has issued a statement claiming it will avenge the death of US-born al-Qaeda member Anwar al-Awlaki.

"The blood of the sheikh and his brethren will not go in vain," AQAP said in the statement published online today.

"Behind him stand heroes who do not sleep on any grievance and who will avenge him soon, God willing," the statement said.

Awlaki, identified by US intelligence as the'chief of external operations' for al-Qaeda's Yemen branch and a Web-savvy propagandist for the Islamist cause, was killed in a CIA drone attack in a remote Yemeni town, along with several other suspected al-Qaeda operatives, including American-born Samir Khan.

According to ABC News, AQAP also criticized the American government for killing Awlaki and Khan, 'without proving any accusation against them.'

"Where is the freedom, justice, human rights and respect of freedoms that they rant about?" the statement said.

Meanwhile, US officials believe that without Awlaki, AQAP is still a significant threat to the America.

According to earlier reports, New York City police was put on alert over fears of possible revenge attacks following the al-Awlaki's death. (ANI)