The London-based daily Al-Quds Al-Arabi says it has received a statement from the Al Qaeda claiming  responsibility for Thursday's series of bombings in Madrid as well as a suicide attack on a masonic lodge in Istanbul two days earlier, report agencies. 

Images: Terror in Madrid | Special: ETA or Osama

The strike in Madrid "was a part of the settling of old scores with crusader Spain, America's ally in its war against Islam," said the statement, signed 'Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades/Al-Qaeda' and dated March 11.

While the claims could not be independently verified,  the Al-Quds Al-Arabi has relayed several earlier claims by Al Qaeda.

"Where is America, O Aznar? Who is going to protect you, Britain, Japan, Italy and other collaborators from us?"  the statement continued.

It also claimed responsibility for the killing of 19 Italian soldiers and civilians in southern Iraq last November and threatened to carry out attacks on American targets in Yemen.