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CNN Sunday Morning

Five Terror Suspects Expected to Have Bond Hearing Wednesday

Aired September 15, 2002 - 08:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: More now on the five terrorist suspects arrested in Buffalo, New York. The group has a bond hearing on Wednesday. They're charged with providing materials, support and resources to terrorists.
We'll get the latest now and head to Buffalo, New York where our national correspondent, Bob Franken, is -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, the investigation, as we heard from Charles just a moment ago, according to various sources and confirmed during an interview an hour ago with Miles, the investigation had been going on before September 11 attacks of last year.

According to sources there were some tips from the Muslim community in Lackawanna, a suburb here which is about five percent Muslim population.

Members of that community went to the FBI to report that these five had undergone training at the infamous terrorist training camp near Kandahar in Afghanistan. That is when the investigation began, of course, and intensified after the September 11 attacks.

Officials emphasize they have no indication that these five were part of the September 11 operation. But a year later they went to a code orange here in the United States partly, we're now being told by sources, because of chatter from the east side -- chatter that had been intercepted electronically by U.S. officials who were using -- quote -- every sophisticated technique available.

According to them some of it was menacing in an analysis although not specific. And that fact contributed to the decision by the White House to increase the terrorist status -- to increase the defense status -- in the United States up to a code orange.

Now the five were arrest on Friday. The investigation was -- covert part of the investigation was terminated. Officials say that they are now looking for others who might be subject to arrest.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PETER AHEARN, FBI SPECIAL AGENT: The investigation is going to continue on this. I'm sure you're aware, too, that there are two phases of an investigation. The covert phase of this investigation right now is concluded. Now the opportunity is there, there will be a lot more investigation that needs to be done and that will be done and followed up with.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: The charge against the five so far, in any case, is material support being provided for a terrorist organization. That's a violation of U.S. law according to officials. There could be other charges added. Catherine?

CALLAWAY: All right -- thank you. That's Bob Franken joining us from Buffalo. Thanks a lot.

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