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August 05, 2004
Albany Mosque Raided In Terror Plot Sting

New York's WCBS News 88 reports that last night federal agents raid mosque in Albany. The radio stations's broadcast stated the raid involved a sting operation concerning the purchase of shoulder fired missiles. The written reports don't mention that but News 88 said their reporter had exclusive information.

According tio the Associated Press:

Federal agents and city police raided a Muslim mosque overnight Wednesday, with armed officers sealing off a block in downtown Albany for several hours.

Authorities declined to immediately discuss the raid at Masjid As-Salam mosque. An FBI spokesman said a press conference was tentatively set Thursday afternoon in Washington.

Some mosque members held morning prayers Thursday on a nearby sidewalk. WTEN-TV reported two men were arrested and are suspected of providing material support for terrorism.
UPDATE: CBS News reports:

Two men were arrested in Albany, N.Y. early Thursday on suspicion of planning to buy shoulder-launched missiles, CBS News has learned.

[. . .]

The men, Yassim Muhhidin Aref, 34 yr, Imam of the Majid Al Salam mosque; and Mohammed Mosharref Hoosain, 49, founder of the mosque, are suspected of ties to the terrorist group Ansar al-Islam, CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin reports.

From California Yankee.

Posted by Dan Spencer at August 5, 2004 07:49 AM | TrackBack
Comments

If this pans out, it would be politically huge. Catching terrorists in the US is one thing - it would be big news but could wash either way politically - but the Ansar Al-Islam connection would be an enormous reminder of the clear terrorist connection to Sadam.

Posted by: samuelv [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 5, 2004 09:42 AM

Ansar al Islam has received funds directly from al Qaeda. Ansar al Islam, also received money and arms from the former Iraqi regime. In fact a high ranking officer of Ansar al Islam, a man known as Abu Wael, was also an officer in the Iraqi intelligence Service.

The Connection : How al Qaeda's Collaboration with Saddam Hussein Has Endangered America
by Stephen F. Hayes Page 16

Posted by: Buck [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 5, 2004 11:11 AM

BUTTTT

I didn't think there was any link between Iraq and Al Queda?

Is this kind of like six degrees of separation?

Chads

Posted by: Chads [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 5, 2004 06:03 PM


Chads,

We must look for the Kevin Bacon connection.

Posted by: DWC [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 6, 2004 08:20 AM

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