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| Terror Networks |
| Feds looking into al-Qaeda links to other groups |
| 2001-09-15 |
WASHINGTON - The FBI is uncovering evidence that other Mideast terror groups worked with Osama bin Laden's operatives to orchestrate Tuesday's attacks on America, The Post has learned. The specter of "a terrorist NATO" launching strikes against America raises the likelihood of President Bush becoming more heavily involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - even launching military strikes in the region. Top intelligence officials told Congress this week that the Lebanese Hezbollah and possibly Palestinian groups such as Hamas are suspected of helping the suicide pilots. "Most of the evidence points to Osama bin Laden. But the speculation at the end of the road is that he was very much involved with Hezbollah and others," said Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Intelligence sources say that, despite religious differences and political rivalries, Hezbollah and bin Laden's Al-Qaeda have been working together for some time. Bin Laden operative Ali Mohammed, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy in the bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, testified about meetings between the Saudi millionaire and Hezbollah leaders. He also told of explosives training given to Al-Qaeda operatives by Hezbollah fighters. There is also evidence that both organizations were involved in the deadly Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia and the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. Representatives of Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terror organizations met in Beirut in February to form "a terrorist NATO" to fight the United States and Israel, sources said. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |