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Southeast Asia
Al-Ghozi killed in gunfight? Again?
2003-10-12
Al-Ghozi escaped from Manila police headquarters in July. Officials say they believe he was killed in a shootout with Philippine troops and police. Al-Ghozi was a confessed member of the Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, which has been blamed for last year’s Bali bombings and a deadly blast at a Marriott hotel in Jakarta in August. The group also is linked to al-Qaida. President George W. Bush is to visit the Philippines on Saturday and officials had been worried about a possible terror attack with Al-Ghozi on the loose.
Exxccccelllent Smithers! Oil up the Ululator! Candies for all!

Not so fast... From Manila Times. Don't know if this comes before or after that one...
Al-Ghozi hasn’t been caught, but govt troops are closing in
Malacañang said on Sunday that government troops are closing in on the Indonesian fugitive Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi, giving the lie to reports that he was already in military hands. Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye dismissed as “mere rumors” report that the terrorist has been captured and will be presented to President Arroyo on or before the visit of US President George W. Bush on October 18.
"Wouldja settle for just part of him, Gloria? We think this is his lung..."
Bunye said the manhunt for al-Ghozi is going on in Zamboanga Sibugay. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is hoping that al-Ghozi will be captured before Saturday. Bunye noted, however, that the arrest of Omar Opik Lasal, a.k.a. Merang Abante, last week boosted the military’s chance of apprehending al-Ghozi sooner than expected. Report circulated on Saturday regarding the arrest of al-Ghozi, a member of the Jemaah Islamiah, in Cotabato City early this month. Military intelligence sources hinted that al-Ghozi’s arrest is being kept secret.
Which would imply that it wasn't him shot to shreds in the shootout. Or that the fellow they have is some guy named Herb...
The Armed Forces chief of staff, Gen. Narciso Abaya, admitted having heard about the arrest in Cotabato City but declined to give further details, saying he had yet to receive the official report from the concerned military unit. Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Garcia, Armed Forces vice chief of staff, had admitted that an arrest had been made but also declined to give details. “I’m not authorized to provide details about that operation,” he said.
"I can say no more!"
Al-Ghozi, accused of masterminding the Rizal Day bombings in December 2000, walked out of his maximum-security cell in Camp Crame on July 14. Military officials said he was last monitored in the Zamboanga Sibugay area, protected by a band of armed men.
"Yar! Tough guys, and dead shots, every one!"
Earlier reports citing sources from the Armed Forces Southern Command said the Indonesian Jemaah Islamiah member arrested in Cotabato City on October 2 was Taufic Rifqi, also known as Ami Irza. His arrest was reportedly made by the local military with the help of three US agents. Al-Ghozi’s companions in his escape, Abu Sayyaf members Abdul­mukim Ong Edris and Omar Opik Lasal, were recaptured by the milita­ry in Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Sur. Edris was killed shortly after his arrest when he reportedly tried to grab the gun of his captor. Lasal is in the custody of the Southern Command, undergoing tactical interrogation.

Go ahead and ululate. Al-Jizzers sez he's got a toe tag...
Escaped Indonesian Islamist Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi was killed in a gun-battle with soldiers on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, just six days before US President George Bush is due to visit Manila.
G'bye, Fathur. Give our regards to Himmler...
The president, Gloria Arroyo, is expected to make a full statement on Monday confirming the death and details of the operation.
Posted by:Frank G

#1  crowd round, kiddies, for your free Baby Ruths, Reeses and Martyr-Go-Pops™
Posted by: Frank G   2003-10-12 6:47:29 PM  

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