 |
Bin Laden's Links in Philippines to Stir Up with Bombing
Local bandits with links to Osama bin Laden are plotting bombing runs in the Philippines once the U. S.-led anti-terrorist coalition triggers attack against Afghanistan.
A military intelligence official said on Monday multi-source raw reports indicate that the local terrorists are in safe houses in Metro Manila, and are awaiting the go-signal to sow terror in the city.
The official said the Abu Sayyaf is among those planning terrorist stir-up, and one element of this notorious gangsters is still holding 18 Filipino and American hostages in Basilan.
The Abu Sayyaf is also one of the 27 terrorist groups listed by the U.S. State Department as having links with Bin Laden, reports said.
Philippine Armed Forces Chief. General Diomedio Villanueva said communication between the Abu Sayyaf and Bin Laden's Al Qaeda group have reducing, but still remain open.
Osama Bin Laden has established more than 12 organizations in southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Established in the early and mid-1990s, they are based in south Philippines' Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan central and southern Mindanao.
Bin Laden had funneled through these groups funds originally for the benefit of the poor Muslim communities in Mindanao, and then use them in religious purposes including propagation of Islamic extremism.
In This Section
|