where is the proof? we just cant assume these freedom fighters would want to use it on us.
Posted on 01/30/2003 4:33:53 PM PST by knighthawk
OSAMA bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist network successfully built a crude radiological device known as a "dirty bomb" in Afghanistan, the British Broadcasting Corp has reported.
British intelligence agents infiltrated the network and learned that terrorists had built the device near Herat in western Afghanistan, the BBC said, citing unidentified British government officials.
Britain's Foreign Office said today the report substantiated expert opinion that al-Qaeda wanted to develop a nuclear weapon.
"The evidence presented in the BBC report speaks for itself," a spokesman said.
"It provides proof to substantiate expert opinion that al-Qaeda was interested in developing nuclear weapons."
According to the BBC, the Taliban regime helped al-Qaeda construct the device, which has not been recovered, by providing medical isotopes.
There has been previous evidence of al-Qaeda's interest in developing a "dirty bomb" - a conventional bomb that would scatter radioactive material. Such a radiological weapon would be far less deadly and damaging than a nuclear explosion.
Computers found by journalists and US troops at a variety of facilities in Afghanistan indicated al-Qaeda had sought to obtain and develop nuclear and other potent weapons.
During a New York trial two years ago stemming from bombings at two US embassies in Africa, a former bin Laden aide testified he was ordered in 1993 to try to buy uranium on the black market for an effort to develop a nuclear weapon. Jamal Ahmed Al-Fadl said al-Qaeda was prepared to spend $US1.5 million ($2.5 million), but he did not know if a purchase was made.
In addition, US officials have said captured al-Qaeda lieutenant Abu Zubaydah told American interrogators the terrorist network was working on a "dirty bomb".
Authorities also have said that Jose Padilla, the former Chicago gang member charged with plotting with al-Qaeda, attended two meetings in Karachi, Pakistan, at which senior al-Qaeda operatives discussed the possible use of a "dirty bomb".
A United Nations report issued by experts monitoring al-Qaeda movements warned that al-Qaeda has the potential to obtain nuclear material and build "some kind of dirty bomb".
The BBC said documents discovered by the intelligence agents were sent to the British Government's weapons research facility in Porton Down, southern England. Scientists concluded al-Qaeda had constructed a small "dirty bomb", not a full-blown nuclear device.
In November the British Government issued - and then hurriedly withdrew - a statement warning that al-Qaeda might be prepared to use a "dirty bomb", or some kind of poison gas. It was replaced with a more general warning of terrorist threats.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/832899/posts
Regards, Ivan
Hmmm.
John can you please ping this thread...
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