“The attacks planned according to this for the end of 2007 were directed against the U.S. air base at Ramstein as well as U.S. and Uzbek consular facilities in Germany.”
“Germany: Islamic militants designated as terror group claim responsibility for foiled attacks,” from The Associated Press (thanks to all who sent this in):
BERLIN: An Islamic militant group has claimed responsibility for a foiled bomb plot that targeted the American military facility at Ramstein and sought to force the closure of an air base that supports Germany’s mission in Afghanistan, the German government said Tuesday.
The Interior Ministry, which is responsible for police and internal security, said the Internet announcement by the Islamic Jihad Union was being treated as genuine by government security experts. Three men were arrested Sept. 4 on suspicion of planning massive bombings against U.S. and other facilities in Germany.
The ministry said the attacks were aimed at pressing Germany to close its air base in Termez, Uzbekistan. The base near the Uzbek-Afghan border provides logistical support for the roughly 3,000 German troops serving as part of NATO’S international security force in Afghanistan.
“In an Internet appearance, the Islamic Jihad Union has taken responsibility for the foiled attacks in Germany and addresses the arrests of Sept. 4, 2007,” the ministry statement said. “The attacks planned according to this for the end of 2007 were directed against the U.S. air base at Ramstein as well as U.S. and Uzbek consular facilities in Germany.”
German officials had previously said the bombings targeted bars and discotheques frequented by Americans as well as airports, but that they were not sure of the exact targets.