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DUBAI, May 15 (Reuters) - A group that has claimed links to al Qaeda vowed on Tuesday to launch bloody attacks in Paris to punish France for electing "Zionist" Nicolas Sarkozy, according to a Web posting. "After you ... chose Zionist crusader Sarkozy to lead you, we of the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades warn you that there will be a bloody jihadist campaign in the coming days ... and a fierce war in the heart of Sarkozy's capital," the group said in an Internet statement.

The statement, which was not posted on Web sites usually used by al Qaeda, said Sarkozy was "thirsty for the blood of Muslim children, women and old people and eager to carry out the mission set by his masters in the Black (White) House".

It said the campaign would target "all those who pursue the policies of the Black House". The group has claimed responsibility for many attacks in Europe in the past, including deadly bombings in London and Madrid. Some of these claims have been discredited by security experts.

The group has said it was linked to al Qaeda but U.S. officials have said the affiliation was not clear.

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