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JTIC Exclusive: Info from Al Qaeda kingpin triggers US manhunt for suspected terrorist operative
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| 22 March 2003 |
By Richard Evans
FBI agents hunting suspected Al Qaeda operative Adnan G El Shukrijumah were tipped-off about his plans by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged Al Qaeda kingpin captured in Pakistan.
Washington security sources said Shukrijumah, of Saudi origin, had not previously come to the attention of US law enforcement and intelligence. However, information passed to the FBI by Mohammed and other Al Qaeda detainees several days ago revealed his existence and triggered a nationwide search.
An FBI spokesman told JTIC that Shukrijumah's details had been circulated to local law enforcement agencies and the international police and intelligence community.
The spokesman would not confirm media speculation that Shukrijumah was a trained pilot intent on carrying out an airborne terrorist attack in the US.
El Shukrijumah is known to have operated under up to half a dozen aliases. He is travelling on a Guyanan passport, but the FBI has warned he may also try to enter the US with a Saudi, Canadian, or Trinidadian passport.
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