'Wounds minor', Zarqawi tells bin Laden

DUBAI, Tuesday (Reuters) Iraq's al Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi told Osama bin Laden he had suffered only "minor" wounds, denying reports he was seriously injured, in an audio tape attributed to him on Monday.

"I think news has reached your ears through the media that I was seriously wounded ... I would like to assure you and assure Muslims that these are baseless rumours and that my wounds are minor," said the speaker on the Internet tape - the authenticity of which could not be immediately verified.

"I am now with the help of God enjoying good health among my brothers and my people in Iraq," added the speaker whose voice sounded like Zarqawi - Washington's number one enemy in Iraq and bin Laden's sworn ally.

The audio tape followed Internet postings by al Qaeda Organisation for Holy War in Iraq saying Zarqawi was in good health and back leading operations in Iraq after being wounded.

The speaker, who signed off the message by saying it was dated May 27, did not say how he had received his injuries. He mentioned fierce battles in northwestern Iraq city of al Qaim.

"After 10 days of intense and continuous fighting God enabled your sons to expel the crusaders to the outskirts of the city and they retreated in shame licking their wounds. "This battle was a great one in the history of Islam and Muslims," the speaker said.

"Our beloved prince, the enemy is proceeding as envisioned and we are close to tightening the noose around his neck and if the plan goes ahead as prepared, its results will please all Muslims and harm every infidel and hypocrite," the tape said.