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CNN Live At Daybreak
Al Qaeda's Recruiting Goes High Tech
Aired January 30, 2004 - 06:05 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Terror organizations are known for their secrecy, but al Qaeda uses high-tech methods to do some of its recruiting and training where all of the world can see.
Our Mike Boettcher has more for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE BOETTCHER, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): An al Qaeda training manual, instructions on how to use an AK-47, found not in a terrorist hideout, but recently posted online at a Web site aimed at recruiting young Saudis.
This video, also posted online, more new propaganda, praising recent Saudi suicide attacks.
PAUL EEDLE, AL QAEDA EXPERT: Al Qaeda, since the 9/11 attacks, has used the Internet extensively to mobilize supporters and frighten enemies.
BOETTCHER: Now, says al Qaeda expert Paul Eedle, the new online message is less about direct attacks on America and more on overthrowing Muslim regimes friendly to the U.S. -- a message also delivered by Osama bin Laden in his most recent audio tape.
OSAMA BIN LADEN, AL QAEDA (through translator): It is now imperative that those governments have to be brought down -- those who support the infidels and shed the blood of their brothers and sisters.
BOETTCHER: High on Al Qaeda's list: the Saudi government. Most of the recent online Web sites are aimed at a Saudi audience.
ADEL AL-JUBEIR, SAUDI GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN: They act as a recruitment tool, or we are concerned that they may be a venue through which terrorists send messages and signals to each other.
BOETTCHER: With the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to holy sites in Saudi Arabia, the event known as the Hajj reaching its climax in the next few days, the Saudi government is taking no chances, especially after Al Qaeda suicide attacks in May and November.
AL-JUBEIR: We have been in a state of high alert, in particular in Mecca.
BOETTCHER: The recent assassination attempt on Pakistan's President Musharraf is another sign of al Qaeda's new strategy, says Eedle. Pakistan's president agrees. PRES. PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, PAKISTAN: We haven't got to the top of identifying the person who may have issued the orders, but we know that there are linkages that maybe the idea came from the al Qaeda.
BOETTCHER: The U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq may have also played a role, as al Qaeda realized it needs new bases from which to operate.
(on camera): Right now, anti-terror experts say al Qaeda's biggest base and biggest threat may actually be on the Internet, where it has become a virtual terrorist network and its propaganda can reach members and terrorist allies worldwide almost instantly.
Mike Boettcher, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
Aired January 30, 2004 - 06:05 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Terror organizations are known for their secrecy, but al Qaeda uses high-tech methods to do some of its recruiting and training where all of the world can see.
Our Mike Boettcher has more for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE BOETTCHER, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): An al Qaeda training manual, instructions on how to use an AK-47, found not in a terrorist hideout, but recently posted online at a Web site aimed at recruiting young Saudis.
This video, also posted online, more new propaganda, praising recent Saudi suicide attacks.
PAUL EEDLE, AL QAEDA EXPERT: Al Qaeda, since the 9/11 attacks, has used the Internet extensively to mobilize supporters and frighten enemies.
BOETTCHER: Now, says al Qaeda expert Paul Eedle, the new online message is less about direct attacks on America and more on overthrowing Muslim regimes friendly to the U.S. -- a message also delivered by Osama bin Laden in his most recent audio tape.
OSAMA BIN LADEN, AL QAEDA (through translator): It is now imperative that those governments have to be brought down -- those who support the infidels and shed the blood of their brothers and sisters.
BOETTCHER: High on Al Qaeda's list: the Saudi government. Most of the recent online Web sites are aimed at a Saudi audience.
ADEL AL-JUBEIR, SAUDI GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN: They act as a recruitment tool, or we are concerned that they may be a venue through which terrorists send messages and signals to each other.
BOETTCHER: With the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to holy sites in Saudi Arabia, the event known as the Hajj reaching its climax in the next few days, the Saudi government is taking no chances, especially after Al Qaeda suicide attacks in May and November.
AL-JUBEIR: We have been in a state of high alert, in particular in Mecca.
BOETTCHER: The recent assassination attempt on Pakistan's President Musharraf is another sign of al Qaeda's new strategy, says Eedle. Pakistan's president agrees. PRES. PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, PAKISTAN: We haven't got to the top of identifying the person who may have issued the orders, but we know that there are linkages that maybe the idea came from the al Qaeda.
BOETTCHER: The U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq may have also played a role, as al Qaeda realized it needs new bases from which to operate.
(on camera): Right now, anti-terror experts say al Qaeda's biggest base and biggest threat may actually be on the Internet, where it has become a virtual terrorist network and its propaganda can reach members and terrorist allies worldwide almost instantly.
Mike Boettcher, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
