This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22258191
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 7 | Version 8 |
---|---|
Canada foils 'al-Qaeda linked' terror attack on train | Canada foils 'al-Qaeda linked' terror attack on train |
(35 minutes later) | |
Two foreign men living in Canada have been charged with plotting a terrorist attack on a passenger train, with support from al-Qaeda elements in Iran. | Two foreign men living in Canada have been charged with plotting a terrorist attack on a passenger train, with support from al-Qaeda elements in Iran. |
The authorities say suspects Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, and Raed Jaser, 35, were arrested in Montreal and Toronto on Monday. | The authorities say suspects Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, and Raed Jaser, 35, were arrested in Montreal and Toronto on Monday. |
They allegedly planned to derail a passenger train in the greater Toronto area, but it is not clear when. | They allegedly planned to derail a passenger train in the greater Toronto area, but it is not clear when. |
Iran has denied any link to the suspects being held in Canada. | |
Foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told a press conference that the politics of extremists did not conform with those of Iran. | |
He accused Canada of following an "Iranophobic" project over the past few years. | |
The two suspects will appear in court on Tuesday for a bail hearing. | |
'Strong resolve' | 'Strong resolve' |
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the surveillance operation leading to the arrests of the two suspects was "a result of extensive collaborative efforts". | The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the surveillance operation leading to the arrests of the two suspects was "a result of extensive collaborative efforts". |
They said the two men were not Canadian citizens and were supported by "al-Qaeda elements in Iran" but there was no evidence of state sponsorship. | They said the two men were not Canadian citizens and were supported by "al-Qaeda elements in Iran" but there was no evidence of state sponsorship. |
Their plan was to derail a VIA train and "kill and hurt people". | Their plan was to derail a VIA train and "kill and hurt people". |
Chief Supt Jennifer Strachan said the two men had sought to target "a specific route, but not necessarily a specific train". | Chief Supt Jennifer Strachan said the two men had sought to target "a specific route, but not necessarily a specific train". |
VIA operates passenger rail services across Canada. | VIA operates passenger rail services across Canada. |
At the same time, the RCMP said they believed the plot was in the planning stage and "there was no imminent threat to the general public". | At the same time, the RCMP said they believed the plot was in the planning stage and "there was no imminent threat to the general public". |
"Each and every terrorist arrest the RCMP makes sends a message and illustrates our strong resolve to root out terrorist threats and keep Canadians and our allies safe," Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said. | "Each and every terrorist arrest the RCMP makes sends a message and illustrates our strong resolve to root out terrorist threats and keep Canadians and our allies safe," Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said. |
The RCMP also said that FBI agents from the US were involved in the operation to foil the attack. | The RCMP also said that FBI agents from the US were involved in the operation to foil the attack. |
There was no connection between the plot and last week's Boston Marathon bombings, a US justice department official was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency. | There was no connection between the plot and last week's Boston Marathon bombings, a US justice department official was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency. |