Al-Qaida's number two leader has warned the Pakistani people, saying US interference in their country's affairs poses a grave danger to Pakistan's future and very existence.

FILE - This Thursday, April 13, 2006 file photo from an undated video provided by IntelCenter, posted on the Internet shows Al-Qaida's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri.[CCTV/AP Photo/HO, IntelCenter, File]

Ayman al-Zawahri issued the warning in an audio message dated Tuesday to the Pakistani people.

Al-Zawahri called on Pakistanis to join the fight against the United States or support the battle financially.

The message, whose authenticity could not immediately be verified, was released by the al-Qaida media wing As Sahab.

It was posted on Islamic Web sites that usually carry militant videos and statements.

(CCTV July 16, 2009)