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European Militants Find Training in Pakistan

Fighters wary of Iraq are groomed for terror ops on Afghan border

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 14, 2007 6:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – Renewed Al-Qaeda strength on the Pakistan-Afghan border is wooing European militants to train in Pakistan, the Los Angeles Times reports. Fighters who are wary of Iraq—where they may have to strap on a bomb on short notice—can enjoy being groomed for missions in Pakistan. “Pakistan worries me more than Iraq,” says a Belgian official, because militants “have time to be trained as operatives.”

Officials uncovered the Euro-Pakistan trail while probing last month’s foiled bomb plots in Germany and Denmark. Extremists hail from all over Europe, though, including Britain—where Al-Qaeda-trained natives killed 52 in 2005. Their easy passage through Iran en route to Pakistan has convinced anti-terrorist agents that Tehran is supporting the fighters.

Authorities say Pakistan has become a training ground for terrorists in recent months.
Authorities say Pakistan has become a training ground for terrorists in recent months.   (Shutter Stock)
A soldier of Pakistan's paramilitary forces sits at a post outside the capital of tribal Waziristan, Miran Shah, Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in Pakistan. Pakistani security forces backed by helicopter gunships attacked a militant training camp near the Afghan border, killing at least four suspected militants, security officials said. (AP...
A soldier of Pakistan's paramilitary forces sits at a post outside the capital of tribal Waziristan, Miran Shah, Tuesday, May 22, 2007 in Pakistan. Pakistani security forces backed by helicopter gunships...   (Associated Press)
Army Claims Gains Against Foreign Fighters In South Waziristan
Army Claims Gains Against Foreign Fighters In South Waziristan   (Getty Images)
Troops  of Pakistan's anti-terrorist force gathered before the Parliament and President House, Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Police and law enforcing agencies hunt for a man they suspect may been a suicide bomber after a taxi driver alerted them. (AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)
Troops of Pakistan's anti-terrorist force gathered before the Parliament and President House, Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Police and law enforcing agencies hunt for a man they suspect...   (Associated Press)
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