London: There are growing fears that the core leadership of Iran and of the terror network al Qaeda is planning a spectacular attack against the West.
According to Sky News, such an attack could possibly take place in Europe, and would be in revenge for the killing of Osama bin Laden by the US last year.
Sky News reports that Iran has been supplying al Qaeda with training in the use of advanced explosives, providing some funding and a safe haven as part of a deal first worked out in 2009 which has now led to "operational capacity".
Although some Western intelligence agencies remain sceptical about an “alliance” between Iran and al Qaeda, the United States has become so concerned about the close relationship that late last year it issued a USD 10 million reward for information leading to the whereabouts of a Syrian al Qaeda leader in Iran, Ezedin Abdel Aziz Khalil, better known as Yasin al Suri.
Sky News reports that Iran has reacted to the publication of al Suri's name by taking him into "protective custody".
ANI
First Published: Thursday, February 16, 2012, 12:46