Bin Laden urges Iraqis to oppose U.S.

BAGHDAD, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- In a new audiotape said to have been made by Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaida leader accuses the United States of trying to build a regional base in Iraq.

Bin Laden also denounced Sunni Iraqis like Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha who ally themselves with U.S. forces, PressTV in Iran reported. The leader of the Anbar Awakening Council died in a bombing in September allegedly carried out by al-Qaida.

"The most evil of the traitors are those who trade away their religion for the sake of their mortal life," bin Laden said.

Bin Laden promised a continued "jihad" against Israel.

Bin Laden is believed to be living in the tribal areas of Pakistan near the Afghan border.