djon
05-04-2005, 02:41 PM
Al-Qaida's No. 3 Man Arrested in Pakistan
Wednesday May 4, 2005 7:16 PM
AP Photo ISL103
By PAUL HAVEN
Associated Press Writer
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - A senior al-Qaida leader, described by U.S. counterterrorism officials as the group's No. 3 man and a close confidant of Osama bin Laden, has been arrested after a firefight in northwestern Pakistan, officials said Wednesday.
In Washington, President Bush said the capture of Abu Farraj al-Libbi ``represents a critical victory in the war on terror,'' and he praised the Pakistani government and President Gen. Pervez Musharraf for the arrest.
``Al-Libbi was a top general for bin Laden,'' Bush said. ``He was a major facilitator and a chief planner for the al-Qaida network. His arrest removes a dangerous enemy who is a direct threat to America and for those who love freedom.''
Bush added, ``We'll stay on the offensive until al-Qaida is defeated.''
Al-Libbi, who allegedly orchestrated two assassination attempts against Musharraf, was arrested after a firefight on the outskirts of Mardan, 30 miles north of Peshawar, capital of the deeply conservative North West Frontier Province, the government and security officials said.
Al-Libbi, a native of Libya, was arrested earlier this week, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told The Associated Press.
``This is a very important day for us,'' Ahmed said. ``This arrest gives us a lot of tips, and I can only say that our security agencies are on the right track'' in the hunt for bin Laden, Ahmed said.
``This man knew many people and many hide-outs.''
A U.S. counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said al-Libbi was the No. 3 al-Qaida figure behind bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri. Al-Libbi assumed more authority within al-Qaida after the March 2003 arrest of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the official said, adding that al-Libbi is believed responsible for planning attacks around the world, including in the United States.
more (http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4982425,00.html)
[edit: --- oops already posted :| ]
Wednesday May 4, 2005 7:16 PM
AP Photo ISL103
By PAUL HAVEN
Associated Press Writer
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - A senior al-Qaida leader, described by U.S. counterterrorism officials as the group's No. 3 man and a close confidant of Osama bin Laden, has been arrested after a firefight in northwestern Pakistan, officials said Wednesday.
In Washington, President Bush said the capture of Abu Farraj al-Libbi ``represents a critical victory in the war on terror,'' and he praised the Pakistani government and President Gen. Pervez Musharraf for the arrest.
``Al-Libbi was a top general for bin Laden,'' Bush said. ``He was a major facilitator and a chief planner for the al-Qaida network. His arrest removes a dangerous enemy who is a direct threat to America and for those who love freedom.''
Bush added, ``We'll stay on the offensive until al-Qaida is defeated.''
Al-Libbi, who allegedly orchestrated two assassination attempts against Musharraf, was arrested after a firefight on the outskirts of Mardan, 30 miles north of Peshawar, capital of the deeply conservative North West Frontier Province, the government and security officials said.
Al-Libbi, a native of Libya, was arrested earlier this week, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told The Associated Press.
``This is a very important day for us,'' Ahmed said. ``This arrest gives us a lot of tips, and I can only say that our security agencies are on the right track'' in the hunt for bin Laden, Ahmed said.
``This man knew many people and many hide-outs.''
A U.S. counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said al-Libbi was the No. 3 al-Qaida figure behind bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri. Al-Libbi assumed more authority within al-Qaida after the March 2003 arrest of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the official said, adding that al-Libbi is believed responsible for planning attacks around the world, including in the United States.
more (http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4982425,00.html)
[edit: --- oops already posted :| ]