Italian Police Arrest 4 on Terror Charges

[NVMojo]

July 21, 2006

ROME (AP) - Four Algerians were arrested Friday on terrorism charges in northern Italy, a police official said.

The suspects were affiliated with the Salafist Group for Call and Combat, an Algerian group said to have links to al-Qaida, said an official with the Carabinieri paramilitary police in the northern city of Padua. He asked that his name not be used because he was not allowed to talk to the media.

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-eur/2006/jul/21/072103342.html

[madeline_con]

1. "... said to have links to al-Qaida..."

Everyone seems to have LINKS lately.

[MADem]

2. Well, even without the "Big Al" connection, that is NOT a nice bunch

http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/salaf.htm

The Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) splinter faction that began in 1996 has eclipsed the GIA since approximately 1998, and currently is assessed to be the most effective remaining armed group inside Algeria. In contrast to the GIA, the GSPC has gained popular support through its pledge to avoid civilian attacks inside Algeria (although, in fact, civilians have been attacked). Its adherents abroad appear to have largely co-opted the external networks of the GIA, active particularly throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Activities

The GSPC continues to conduct operations aimed at government and military targets, primarily in rural areas, although civilians are sometimes killed. A faction within the GSPC held 31 European tourists hostage in 2003 to collect ransom for their release. According to press reporting, some GSPC members in Europe maintain contacts with other North African extremists sympathetic to al-Qaida. In late 2003, the new GSPC leader issued a communique declaring the group’s allegiance to a number of jihadist causes and movements, including al-Qaida.

[xchrom]

3. why are the europeans so good

at disrupting terrorist cells and americans aren't?

it just points to an over reliance on technology -- if you ask me -- it seems to me the europeans aren't afraid to use good old fashioned police work to find the things they are looking for.