Iraq's al Qaeda wing said its leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi will send a new message to Osama bin Laden, according to an Internet statement this evening.
"We break the news to you, our brothers, that our sheikh Abu Musab al-Zarqawi ... will be sending his new message to sheikh of the mujahideen, the prince of al Qaeda Organisation, Osama bin Laden," said the statement signed by the group's spokesman Abu Maysarah al-Iraqi.
It could not be immediately authenticated. The statement followed Internet postings by the group saying Zarqawi was in good health and was back leading operations in Iraq after being wounded.
The US military yesterday said it believed the Jordanian-born leader, Washington's number one enemy in Iraq, had been wounded.
Zarqawi is an ally of al Qaeda leader bin Laden. His Al Qaeda Organisation for Holy War in Iraq has claimed responsibility for most of the bloodiest suicide attacks against US and Iraqi forces.
In the tape, Zarqawi told bin Laden that he suffered only "minor" wounds, denying reports he was seriously injured.
"I think news has reached your ears through the media that I was seriously wounded ... I would like to assure you and assure Muslims that these are baseless rumours and that my wounds are minor," the voice on the tape said.
"I am now with the help of God enjoying good health among my brothers and my people in Iraq," it added.