Denmark: Ties to US terror plot

An al-Qaeda loyalist accused of plotting to attack underground train tunnels in New York has been taken into custody by US officials

Assem Hammoud, a Lebanese man accused of masterminding a plot to destroy Hudson River train tunnels in New York, had been in contact with al-Qaeda recruiters in Denmark, according to US and Lebanese security sources.

A US intelligence official told the Los Angeles TimeS that authorities in the US, Lebanon, Denmark and other countries were trying to unravel threads of the alleged plot that could give them a clearer picture of the suspected terrorists' intentions.

An Islamic al-Qaeda recruiter in Denmark is said to have asked Hammoud to find apartments, money and weapons in the US, as well as to recruit people to commit the planned attack, writes the New York Daily News. No more information has been released concerning the recruiter.

Hammoud was arrested by Lebanese officials following his attempt to acquire visas to Pakistan and Canada, where he had previously been enrolled in university. Acting Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Fatfat said information found on the 31-year-old's personal computer contained "very important" information concerning the planned attack.

"It contained maps and bombing plans that were being prepared," Mr. Fatfat said in a local television interview.

Eight people are suspected of being involved in the plan to bomb the train tunnels. So far at least two people have been taken into custody, according to the FBI.

Source: Jyllands-Posten (English)

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