Madrid terrorists linked to Krekar

Mullah Krekar's brother, Khalid Faraj Ahmad

It looks as if Mullah Krekar, the leader of Iraq's radical Muslim group Ansar al-Islam who is now living the comfortable life in Norway, had something to do with the Madrid attacks. From Aftenposten, with thanks to Twostellas:

A group that Spanish police is investigating in connection with last week's terror attacks in Madrid has reportedly tried to establish itself in Norway. One suspect allegedly tried to move to Norway with the help of terror suspect Mullah Krekar's brother. One of those arrested last week is believed to be connected to an al-Qaida group that tried to establish itself in Norway in 1995, reported Norwegian newspaper VG on Monday.

VG reported that Spanish investigators think Jamal Zougam, age 30, has ties to Imad Barakat Yarkas, alias Abu Dahdah, thought to have taken part in the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington in 2001.

The group allegedly sought help from Mullah Krekar's brother, Khalid Faraj Ahmad, to obtain visas to Norway.

Brynjar Meling, defense attorney for Krekar, downplayed the alleged links, saying both Krekar and his brother have been open about their various connections in past years.

"They operated a Kurdish newspaper, and received many requests for help, among them how to get people to Norway," Meling told VG.

He later told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) Monday that Krekar and his brother responded "by giving them information about the proper authorities to contact in Norway."

Yes, of course it was all completely innocent. Krekar just happens to head the group responsible for numerous suicide bombings in Iraq, and Zougam just happens to be implicated in several terrorist attacks. No doubt all this suspicion stems from racism.

Posted by Robert at March 16, 2004 7:32 AM
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