Iraqi insurgent coalition vows to increase suicide attacks in holy Ramadan month

CAIRO, Egypt: A Sunni insurgent coalition that includes al-Qaida in Iraq said Tuesday it was forming several battalions to intensify suicide attacks against U.S. and Iraqi government targets.

In a statement posted on an Islamic Web site, the Islamic State of Iraq said the "War Ministry" decided to form special battalions for martyrdom seekers "to pound the bastions of the crusaders and their renegade tails" in Iraq.

"These battalions, with God's help, will perform their duties in an excellent manner during the month of Ramadan and the enemies of God will suffer a lot," the statement said. Last Ramadan, al-Qaida also urged its followers to step up attacks against U.S. and Iraqi forces.

Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the month of Ramadan has seen a spike in violence — especially suicide attacks — in part because some Islamic extremists believe those who die in combat for a holy cause during the period are especially blessed.

The statement said "most of the martyr seekers of these blessed battalions will be from the Ansar (Iraqi) brothers."