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Plot probe spans 3 continents

LONDON: Intelligence agents, police and government officials forged ahead on three continents on Friday to unravel an alleged plot by suspected suicide bombers to blow up US-bound airplanes.

The British-led investigation was trying to glean clues by interrogating 31 suspects, searching bank accounts and carrying out raids on property. Police may have seized explosives and a “martyrdom video,” recorded by a suspect, according to reports which British police refused to confirm.

The Washington Post reported that the first whiff of the alleged plot came after the July 7, 2005 bombings of three London underground trains and a bus. The Post said a Muslim tipped off British authorities to an acquaintance. Eventually investigators monitored suspects on three continents, the US daily said, adding that British officials believe 50 accomplices may have been involved.

Some of the suspects travelled between Britain and Pakistan to raise money, recruit people and refine their schemes, US and EU officials told the daily. Separately ABC News quoting Pakistani officials identified the ringleader of the bomb plot as Matiur Rehman, said to be a 29-year-old Al Qaeda commander accused of involvement in plots to kill President Musharraf. He was said to be missing along with five others, ABC said, adding that Rehman was known to be planning a “terror spectacular” to mark the 9/11 fifth anniversary.

Meanwhile, Italian police have arrested 40 people linked to Islamic groups, the Interior Ministry said on Friday. The ministry said that 28 people were detained because their residency papers were not in order. Authorities also expelled 114 immigrants as part of the same operation. Police also searched the houses of 15 foreigners, most of them Pakistanis. agencies

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