Italian police uncover al-Qaeda link in Syria

Australian News ^ | April 17, 2003 | Australian News

[FairOpinion]

Syria has functioned as a hub for al-Qaeda operatives who moved Islamic extremists and money from Italy to north-eastern Iraq, where the recruits fought alongside the recently defeated Ansar al Islam terrorist group, according to an Italian investigation.

The investigation, which began last year, could intensify the growing debate about Syria's alleged ties to terrorism.

Two weeks ago, Italian police arrested seven alleged al-Qaeda operatives. They were charged with sending about 40 extremists through Syria to terrorist bases operated jointly by al-Qaeda and Ansar al Islam, whose stronghold in north-eastern Iraq was recently overrun by Kurdish and US troops.

Transcripts of wiretapped conversations between the arrested suspects and others paint a detailed picture of overseers in Syria co-ordinating the movement of recruits and money between Europe and Iraq, according to court documents obtained by the Los Angeles Times. An Italian judicial order dated March 31 said the conversations showed that a Kurdish spiritual leader, identified as Mullah Fuad, was the respected "gatekeeper in Syria for volunteers intent on reaching Iraq".

Mullah Fuad and others based near Damascus gave orders to the suspects in Italy, according to authorities.

[FairOpinion]

I hope we will stick to the Bush doctrine, that we are at war against terrorists and any country which supports them.

Onwards to Damascus!

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

RELEASE THE HOUNDS!!

[b4its2late]

A BIG - UH OH for Syria......

[mvpel]

This could be the path to invoke Senate Joint Resolution 23, authorizing military force against Syria.

[jnarcus]

But but but...didn't all of the anit-war people tell us that there was NO link between Iraq and Al Qaeda? yup thought so they must ave gotten there information from Baghdad Bob...;)

[m1911]

Ping.

antares, I thought you might want to see this given our conversation about Syria the other day.

[doc30]

Sounds like the case for regime change in Syria is starting a lot faster than I thought it would. Once that worm pit is fumigated, there may actually be stability in the middle east.

[Coop]

The Mohamed Daki referenced in this article was just picked up on 11 Apr in Italy.

Here.

One by one they fall, and let's hope more fall very soon.

[astounded]

"You're either with us, or you're with the terrorists."

I think Syria would be wise to remember our President's statement in his 2002 State-of-the Union address.

[Steve Van Doorn]

They didn't know about them.. Maybe they will turn them over to us? They do seemed scared.

[Question_Assumptions]

From another thread: "Take Syria and get Lebanon for free!"

[justshutupandtakeit]

Such a shock! I am stunned, stunned I say.

[gcruse]

ruh roh.

[Straight Vermonter]

Thanks for the ping.