Latest reports suggest 20 individuals have been arrested on Terrorism-related charges throughout Europe, based upon a cell based in Northern Italy - not that the war on terror is global, or anything. More here and also here.
MILAN, Italy (AFP) — The Italian government said Tuesday it had "decapitated" a pan-European network recruiting suicide bombers, with raids targetting 20 suspects in Italy, France and Portugal.
The "very important operation has decapitated a jihadist network that operates across Europe ... with the aim of preparing men to send to the Iraqi and Afghan theatres," Interior Minister Giuliano Amato told a news conference in Rome.
Eleven suspects were arrested in the northern Italian cities of Milan, Reggio Emilia, Imperia and Bergamo, while nine were arrested on warrants issued elsewhere in Europe, Italian news agencies reported. Authorities in Britain, France and Portugal confirmed arrests.
In Britain, authorities said two suspects were arrested in London and Manchester and face extradition to Italy. The men, identified as Ali Chehidi, 34, and Mohamed Khermiri, 53, were accused of forging documents to help volunteers enter Italy illegally.
Portuguese and French officials each confirmed one arrest, but did not release the suspects' identities.
"In Britain, authorities said two suspects were arrested in London and Manchester and face extradition to Italy."
Wonder if they're doctors....
Posted by: ronbo | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 03:40 PM
The common thread in the latest pull-downs is Iraq. Recruiting for Iraq. Supporting financially Iraq insurgency.
We are getting their names, addresses and cell numbers off all those insurgents we don't kill but drag in to have the Iraqi AF or police interrogate. Or we pull them out of all the documentation and computers we seize.
We are very good at sharing with our allies, former allies, NATO partners and even with the French. Sometimes we wish it was reciprocal.
Its far from over but the momentum has shifted - you know it has when it is no longer front page news or the Dems are trying to find a way to not talk about it or change the subject to Veterans benefits, Iran or Congress' work week.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Shame that 'decapitation' is only figurative. But as Jack says, they're probably worth a lot more alive and squealing.
Posted by: David Gillies | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 04:11 PM
These guys may be turning up alive and unexploded in Iraq, turned in by Iraqis where they stick out like sore thumbs, disillusioned. It would fit the narrative coming out of the blogosphere, if not the nightly news.
Posted by: yorick | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Gee, Islamic/Arabic names again. Nothing to see here...move along.
Posted by: Tygurr | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 04:38 PM
Any chance this might be related to the recent Italian mob boss that was apprehended after 25 years on the run? In theory, the mob may have some overlapping business interests with the terrorists. And I'm not just basing that on a plotline from the Sopranos.
Posted by: Tartan69 | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 07:08 PM
B-B-But Iraq is a distraction from the GWOT!!! The Democrats said so, and they wouldn't LIE!
(unless their lips are moving!)
Posted by: SDN | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 09:27 PM
Tygurr, I thought they were probably Presbyterians. via timblair.net
Posted by: JorgXMcKie | Tuesday, November 06, 2007 at 10:30 PM