Al-Qaida's new leader in Iraq vowed on Tuesday to defeat "crusaders and shiites" in Iraq following the killing of his predecessor Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a US air raid.

"The day of vengeance is near and your strong towers in the Green Zone will not protect you," Abu Hamza al-Muhajir said in a website statement, whose authenticity could not be verified.

"You will see what we have in store for you because of your betrayal and apostasy. Our swords are poised above your necks," the statement said.

The Al-Qaida in Iraq on Monday named a new leader to succeed al-Zarqawi, who was killed last Wednesday.

"The Shura Council of al-Qaida in Iraq unanimously agreed to appoint Sheikh Abu Hamza al-Muhajir as the successor of Sheikh Abu Musab al-Zarqawi," said a statement posted on a website.

(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2006)