"If there is no check on the freedom of your words, then let your hearts be open to the freedom of our actions"

One of the killers also named the terror group’s Yemen branch as his commanders. 

A statement released in English said: ‘The leadership of #AQAP directed the operation, and they have chosen their target carefully as a revenge for the honor of Prophet (pbuh) [peace be upon him].

‘The target was in France in particular because of its obvious role in the war on Islam and oppressed nations.

‘The operation was the result of the threat of Sheikh Usama (RA). He warned the West about the consequences of the persistence in the blasphemy against Muslims’ sanctities.

‘Sheikh Usama (RA) said in his message to the West: If there is no check on the freedom of your words, then let your hearts be open to the freedom of our actions.

‘The Organization delayed to claim responsibility due to the executors’ security reasons.’

Hours after the recorded interviews, both men were killed when the two separate sieges they were involved in came to a bloody end.