printer-friendly  |  e-mail this story

International

Al Qaeda fugitive sought in bombings

Officials believe Moroccan may have overseen Spain train attack

Sebastian Rotella
Los Angeles Times
April 14, 2004

MADRID, Spain -- The hunt for masterminds in last month's train bombings here has targeted an accused al Qaeda operative who, although a fugitive wanted in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks, may have returned clandestinely to Spain to oversee the train plot, investigators said Tuesday.

Witnesses have told police they saw Amer Azizi, a Moroccan and longtime associate of several suspects in the train attacks, here after the bombings that killed 191 people March 11, senior investigators told the Los Angeles Times. Communications intercepts detected Azizi last year in Iran, where he allegedly was with Abu Musab Zarqawi, a Jordanian accused of leading an anti-U.S. bombing campaign in Iraq, according to Spanish investigators.

The recent sightings of Azizi in Spain are a potential breakthrough in the train bombings.

Since seven suspects blew themselves up during a shootout with police nearly two weeks ago, the investigation has centered on identifying lead figures who could have transmitted directives from the al Qaeda network abroad to the train bombers, a predominantly Moroccan group based in Madrid.

New evidence suggests that Azizi was daring enough to return from the Middle East, sneak into Spain and oversee an attack by a relentless network that has widened its terror campaign to Western Europe to weaken the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, investigators said. If Azizi was involved, it is likely the orders came from Zarqawi or others in al Qaeda's core leadership, they believe.

"There are people who have seen Azizi here in Spain after the attacks," said a senior Spanish investigator.

"It looks like he came back and may have directed the others. If he was here, his background would make it likely that he was the top guy. We have reliable witness accounts that he was here in significant places connected to the plot. The idea of Azizi as a leader has become more solid."

Sources willing to discuss the case requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Money Saving Coupons Save money by using coupons from local retailers and grocery coupons from major brands. Visit SpokesmanReview.com/coupons where great savings are waiting for you. Online Coupons   Lil' Ones Annual A keepsake special section that parents and grandparents can treasure for a lifetime. The Lil' Ones Annual provides a perfect opportunity to cherish and share your precious little one. Lil' Ones Annual   Home Services Thinking about remodeling your house, building a deck, or finishing your basement? See our Home Services Directory to find a professional. Home Services   Auto Review Online View the new and used inventory of the areas biggest car dealers. www.autoreviewonline.com