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American Morning

Al Qaeda Operatives Arrested in Spain

Aired July 17, 2002 - 08:28   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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: You remember we mentioned this story yesterday, three suspected members of al Qaeda getting picked up in Spain?

PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, it's frightening what they had on them.

HEMMER: Well, you know, the plot has really thickened today. Apparently these videotapes very interesting, to say the least. As to what was contained on those tapes, Barbara Starr at the Pentagon can tell us about what some are saying are very telling tapes this morning -- Barbara -- good morning.

What more do we know?

BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

Well, U.S. intelligence says these three men that were arrested in Spain yesterday were members of a radical group called the Muslim Brotherhood with direct ties to al Qaeda. And, indeed, there were a number of videotapes seized. As you see, here is the house where one of the men was arrested. He is Mohamed Al Saqq. And he is known to have been visited by a courier for Osama bin Laden several months ago.

Military intelligence sources confirm to CNN that the videotapes seized included videotapes of the World Trade Center, Disneyland in California, the Universal Studios Theme Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and other sites. And military intelligence officials tell us this material, in the words of one official, showed preparation for possible attacks.

In California, we are told California Governor Gray Davis has now notified Disneyland of these videotapes. Officials say security is being stepped up, but so far no specific threat, no direct reason to warn the public to stay away from theme parks in the months ahead -- Bill.

HEMMER: Barbara, some rather intriguing questions on this topic. One of the three said to have been picked back in, I think, April, later released. Any indication as to why they were picked up again now, him and the two others?

STARR: Well, there are indications that Spanish authorities had had at least one of these men under continued surveillance. They had clearly aroused some suspicion with Spanish authorities and we are told that is why Spanish police under the interior ministry in Spain moved in yesterday and arrested them.

HEMMER: More to come, we are certain.

Barbara, thank you.

STARR: Thank you.

HEMMER: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon following this developing story this morning.

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