Milan police arrest eight linked to al-Qaida
Anti-terrorism police in Milan have arrested seven North Africans and a Romanian suspected of supplying false documents to Osama bin Laden’s alleged European logistics chief and others.
A ninth suspect eluded capture in the raids last night and was being sought, said Massimo Mazza, head of Milan’s DIGOS anti-terrorist squad.
Among those arrested were two Moroccan brothers, who, according to Mazza, gave documents to Essid Sami Ben Khemais, bin Laden’s alleged European logistics chief.
In another development in Italy’s crackdown on international terrorism, security has been stepped up in Venice’s Jewish Ghetto district.
Police boats were seen checking the waters for explosive devices in canals running through the district, and pairs of police officers stood guard at the entrance of the narrow alleys leading into the district.
Italian police have not elaborated on what exactly prompted the measures, but security was already stepped up in Venice earlier this year after the city was named as one of several tourist-popular destinations in Italy which might be targeted by terrorists.
In Milan, Mazza said police seized false passports and driving licenses, stolen identity cards and blank documents and official seals that could be used to issue papers giving foreigners permission to live in Italy.
US authorities have described Milan as being an important logistical base for al-Qaida.
