An English language manual for Westerners seeking to join al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been published, which asks potential jihadists to think of virgins in paradise when bomber-drones are overhead, British media reported on Wednesday.
Described as a “must-read” source, the guide has emerged on the internet shortly after it was leaked that AQAP had been penetrated by a British spy who managed to smuggle out the latest version of their “underpants bomb”.
The manual recommends on how to cope with the hardships and dangers of life as a jihadist, and includes rules such as keeping clean and not using mobile phones, The Telegraph reports.
“In some cases, you will be staying with a few brothers in a tight room or house. In order to avoid unnecessary problems, encourage yourself and your brothers to clean the room(s) on a regular basis. As for yourself, a daily shower is ideal, but not possible in many cases”, the first section titled ‘cleanliness’ read.
Another section headed “aerial bombardment” describes the “bee-like sound” of the unmanned aerial vehicles. “If you feel terrified, Close your eyes and imagine yourself inside paradise. Think of your hoor [virgins] that are awaiting you as well as meeting prophets,” it said
The guide was written by Samir Khan, an American who served as the top propagandist for the Yemen-based branch of the terrorist movement. He was killed by a drone attack in September, alongside AQAP’s leader Anwar al-Awlaki.
According to the paper, the manual says that one of the “pillars of modern day jihad” is secrecy. “If I am British but of Indian descent, I tell the brothers I’m from so-and-so land (a place where you obviously not from),” the manual said.