'Plot sanctioned by al-Qaeda'

2006-08-17 16:16

Islamabad - The alleged terror plot to blow up United States-bound planes was probably sanctioned by al-Qaeda No 2 leader Ayman al-Zawahri, said senior Pakistani intelligence official on Thursday.

The official said: "The latest investigations by Pakistan also indicate that a British national arrested in Pakistan, Rashid Rauf, was the planner of the attacks who recruited people to take part in the plot."

"We have reason to believe that it was al-Qaeda sanctioned and was probably cleared by al-Zawahri," said the official on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.

- AP