(CNN) -- A high-ranking al Qaeda leader has called on China's minority Uyghurs to prepare for a holy war against the Chinese government. Security has been increased recently on the streets of Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital. "There is no way for salvation and to lift this oppression and tyranny unless you ... seriously prepare for jihad in the name of God and carry your weapons against the ruthless brutal invader thugs," Abu Yahia Al-Libi said Wednesday in a video on an Islamist Web site. He delivered his message in Arabic. The Uyghurs are Muslims in western China's Xinjiang province. Some Islamists refer to the region as East Turkistan.Uyghurs are Muslims in western China's Xinjiang provinceAbu Yahia Al-Libi's comments a reaction to recent violence in Xinjiang's capitalTension between Uyghurs and majority Han Chinese erupted into riots in JulyAl-Libi considered one of al Qaeda's top strategists and most vocal leaders
In his latest message, Al-Libi called on _ worldwide to support the Uyghurs. "You will encounter the same defeat when your nation will fight in its own backyard the humble minority of _ who are stronger in faith."