The arrest of top al-Qaeda operative Hassan Ghul shows that Osama bin Laden's network is seeking to "establish a foothold" in Iraq, a US commander said Thursday.
Ghul was detained by Kurdish forces in northern Iraq as he attempted to enter the country, US officials said.
They said Ghul was a senior facilitator for al-Qaeda and reported directly to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, one of the architects of the September 11 attacks who was captured in March near Islamabad.
"The capture of Ghul is pretty strong proof that al-Qaeda is trying to gain a foothold here to continue their murderous campaigns," Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez told reporters, according to The AP.
"Ghul's capture is great news for both the Iraqis, the coalition and the international community's war against terrorism." (Albawaba.com)
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