Karachi: An American national said to be
member of al Qaeda was captured in a raid in this southern
port city, but Pakistani officials later changed their version
that the man picked up was the terror outfits US born
spokesman.
The American suspect was identified as Abu Yayha Adam.
The Pakistani intelligence had earlier claimed he was Adam
Gadahn, one of US's most wanted fugitive, who has operated for
long as spokesman for al Qaeda.
Though the man did not turn out to be the elusive
Gadahn, the capture of an American national caused concern in
Washington.
The arrest of the national comes just days after US
ambassdor to Pakistan Annie Patterson said that the Obama
administration does not know how many Americans might have
disappeared overseas to train with al Qaeda or other terrorist
groups, but the number is not thought to be large.
Speaking at home, outlined a "nightmare scenario" in
which people holding US passports receive terrorist training
then return legally to the US to commit violent acts.
The arrest of an American al Qaeda member from the
city comes weeks after intelligence officers captured Taliban
Nos 2 Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar and some other top commanders
from the same place.
Gadahn is the first American to face treason charges
in more than 50 years and has appeared in more than six
al Qaeda videos taunting the West calling for more 9/11
attacks.
PTI
First Published: Monday, March 08, 2010, 21:57