Thursday, August 14, 2003

World War III Update: Key al-Qaida Figure Arrested

The United States has captured an alleged al-Qaida leader described by President Bush as "one of the world's most lethal terrorists," a suspect in last year's Bali bombing and a series of deadly bombings in the Philippines.

He was identified as Riduan Isamuddin — also known as Hambali. He was said to be al-Qaida's chief representative and operational planner in Southeast Asia.

"He's a known killer who was a close associate of Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed," Bush said in announcing Hambali's capture during an appearance before U.S. military forces, many of whom just returned from Iraq (news - web sites).

A senior administration official said the suspect and his group, Jemaah Islamiya, were linked to the Bali bombing and the series of deadly attacks on churches in the Philippines.


Yahoo! News

I am reminded of Carroll O'Connor's character in Kelly's Heroes when a US force was split in half on either side of a damaged bridge and were debating on the radio whether to wait for repairs so the forces could be united again. O'Connor, playing an Army General, said: "Don't stop! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!"

No comments: