Terror captives at Guantanamo
The FBI thinks it has uncovered a cross-state terror cell with Al-Qaeda links in Denver. Detentions were made in the case in New York. Apparently the suspect drove cross-country to Queens, New York with documents and bomb making plans. He allegedly met with some nefarious characters in New York. The FBI citing wiretaps, decided it was time to move in on the suspects.
Najibullah Zazi, 24, known as 'Naji' in his mosque, hails from eastern Afghanistan and is currently residing in Aurora. Apparently he remains under surveilance by FBI operatives, though he maintains his innocence. Fellow mosque members say that Zazi was apolitical and a devout Muslim.
"I spent two days in New York, flew back, and I have nothing else to say," he said. "I am an airport driver, and that's all I can say."
Zazi recently took some trips to Pakistan where his wife lives and Al-Qaeda leadership currently is believed to be residing. among other countries. He maintains that he was just renewing the peddlers license for a vendor's cart he owns in Manhattan as the reason for his cross-country drive. He had recently lived in the same Flushing neighborhood as the suspects recently raided in New York. He was reported to have been stopped at the George Washington bridge on the way into the city, his rental car was later recovered on a city street.
The FBI believes it has uncovered the first terror cell since 9/11 and a counterterrorism expert was quoted as saying "The FBI is seriously spooked by these guys".
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security this week issued tips to 'authorities' nationwide for indicators of homemade bomb-makers using Hydorgen Peroxide-based explosives and warning them to be on the look-out for foul odors, people with chemical burns, and industrial sized fans. The warning coincided with the arrests and seizures in New York.
Zazi is under constant surveillance and the Denver office could neither confirm nor deny that he is under investigation. Denver police referred questions the the FBI office.Their recent moves on these suspects have been made with the coming U.N. General Assembly in mind.
Reasons for interest into Najibullah Zazi:
- recent trips to Pakistan
- recent trips to Manhattan visiting other terror suspects
- transporting bomb making plans cross-country
- being stopped by authorities and ditching rental car
- wiretaps (legality TBD) indicating upcoming attacks
We will monitor how the Feds proceed in the coming days and weeks.
"He loves this country," Folsom said. "He loves living here. That's why he brought his family over here."- Arthur Folsom (Zazi's lawyer)
Check back for news as it breaks.
*********BREAKING 9/18************
The suspect reportedly has admitted to receiving terror training, but denies being involved in any specific plot. Backpacks, cell phones, and at least 3 other people including 2 women were taken from Zazi's condo. Reports indicate that he has been in contact with al-Qaeda leadership in Pakistan.
The FBI moved pre-emptively mainly because fears of an attack at the coming speech by Obama at the U.N. General assembly. The suspects in New York were subsequently released and along with Zazi, are under constant surveillance.
The FBI found formulas for making the explosive TATP on Zazi's computer. Earlier in the week Zazi vehimently denied any ties to al-Qaeda. Now the FBI reveals that they have recorded conversations between him and al-Qaeda leadership talking about what to do if stopped by police and repeatedly referred to a 'wedding' and the FBI believes that they were using the word 'wedding' as a code word for attack. He continues to under-go interrogation and is heading into the 5th day.
The facts seem to be trickling out, check back for updates as they break.
**********BREAKING 2/22************
Najibullah Zazi has accepted the Federal District Attorney's in Brooklyn office's plea deal. Zazi pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to make weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country and providing material support to al-Qaida.
Justice Department officials, including head Eric Holder, described the capture and subsequent indictment of Zazi as "an example of how the American justice system can work" relating to acts of terrorism on American soil.
For more information: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/22/AR2010022204485.html
Comments
So he visited Pakistan eh? I've got shocking news for you Ritchey II. A key US ally and a good friend of both Bush and Obama LIVES in Pakistan. His name is "Musharraf".
Funny how you lace your article with guilt-by-association innuendo and expect to be taken seriously.
Timothy McVeigh was born in New York state, better lock up anyone who visits New York from now on, eh?
By the way, so the guy was supposedly "transporting" "bomb-making" materials, but the FBI still let him go?
I don't think so.
"He ditched his car"
Is it possible that the car broke down, the transmission went out? No. The guy has "allah" in his name. He must be guilty/ snark.
Joe should be on a watch list.
Joe, so which terror list are you on? Which mosque do you attend?
"Buildings evacuated during FBI search of terror suspect's home"
from a story today on 9NEWS dot com
YEAH, he has NOTHING to hide Joe, NOTHING. How was prayer time this afternoon? Were you facing east?
Right on Ken.
Ken, you are the man! Thank you for saying what we are all thinking! Amen to you brother!
I don't trust any of those damn muzzies! We should never have allowed them to live among us and build their mosques (terrorist meeeting halls). We've opened the door and welcomed terrorism with open arms! Obama is their Trojan Horse!
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