U.S.

Is that Eric Saying Goodbye?

By CBS Investigates

May 1, 2008 / 9:50 AM EDT / CBS News

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The German militant who appeared in an Internet video and called for "jihad" may have been making his final statements before a suicide operation. The footage of the 20-year-old Eric B., who is known as Abdul Ghaffar, is part of a video series called "Badr al Tawheed."

Towards the end of the tape, the German militant is seen sitting on the floor in front of a black banner with an Arabic writing reading: "There's no God but God and Mohammed is his prophet" and two AK-47s placed against it. He seems to be making a statement, but there is no audible sound. Instead, this part of the video is covered with the usual jihadi chanting often included in videos of militant Islamist groups.

The scene is typical of videos of "suicide bombers" making their final statements before carrying out an operation in similar jihadi videos. The fact that the German militant appeared with his face unmasked reinforces that possibility.

Deutsche Welle reports that the German Militant spoke in German on the tape. "Come over to the jihad, for that is your way to paradise," he proclaims in halting German. "If you cannot come, then help us with your wealth." Deutsche Welle also said EU officials have put posters of the suspect at all the bloc's entry points on fears of a suicide bombing by Eric B.