Zambia detains wanted British national on terror suspicions News
Zambia detains wanted British national on terror suspicions

[JURIST] According to two US anti-terrorism officials involved in the arrest, Zambian officials have detained Haroon Rashid Aswat, wanted in the US [New York Times report] for allegedly attempting to establish an al-Qaeda training camp in Oregon in 1999, and in the UK for questioning in relation to the recent London bombings [JURIST report], after he crossed the border from Zimbabwe. Aswat allegedly contacted at least one of the bombers who died in the July 7 attack in London and is named by the FBI as a key figure in al-Qaeda. A Foreign Office spokesman stated "We are currently seeking consular access to a British national reported to be in custody in Zambia," but would not name the individual. Scotland Yard has also refused to comment on the specifics of the case. US and British officials have travelled to Zambia to determine who will take custody of the suspect. Last week the Lose Angeles Times reported Aswat was arrested in Pakistan [LA Times report]. Officials there denied the report, but stated they continued to search for the suspect at Britain's request. BBC News has more.