French Discount Threat Vs. U.S. Embassy

AP ^ | 12/08/03 | PIERRE-ANTOINE SOUCHARD,

[TexKat]

PARIS - French police determined that a threat against the U.S. Embassy in Paris was a false alarm after questioning 10 Egyptians in custody, judicial officials said Monday.

The suspects were rounded up early Sunday after the U.S. Embassy received a phone call from a man describing a terror plot and giving names and contact information of those involved, the officials said.

They said the anonymous phone call was recorded at the embassy and turned over to the FBI, who alerted French police.

Police now believe the caller was settling scores. They found no weapons, explosives or other evidence of plans for an attack in the suspects' homes in Paris and a northern suburb, the judicial officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Two people the caller described as leading plotters were not at home during the raids but later turned themselves in.

While they will not be prosecuted for terrorism, the suspects, who were in France illegally, remain in custody on suspicion they are involved in people-smuggling rings, the officials said.

The embassy confirmed that there was a threat but declined to give further information.

Melissa Clegg-Tripp, the embassy's deputy spokeswoman, said officials returned to work Monday amid enhanced security. More police were stationed outside, and officials sealed the street outside to traffic.

The embassy was the alleged target of a foiled suicide bombing by Islamic extremists in 2001. France opened an investigation into the U.S. Embassy plot on Sept. 10, 2001 — a day before the al-Qaida terror attacks in the United States.

[TexKat]

Should we be looking for something tomorrow or am I just paranoid.

The embassy was the alleged target of a foiled suicide bombing by Islamic extremists in 2001. France opened an investigation into the U.S. Embassy plot on Sept. 10, 2001 — a day before the al-Qaida terror attacks in the United States.

[TexKat]

Ping.

[sarasota]

The only thing the embassy has going for it is the location. I don't believe the Frech would allow anything to damage that particular street.

[thoughtomator]

French officials were mystified as to why anyone would want to attack the US embassy when there's a synagogue just down the block.

[windchime]

"They found no weapons, explosives or other evidence of plans for an attack IN THE SUSPECTS' HOMES in Paris and a northern suburb, the judicial officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity."

Oh well, in that case, I'm sure it was a false alarm. The only place they could POSSIBLY have such items is in their homes.

You're not paranoid, TK, just alert to possibilities.

[blackie]

Screw the french!