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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Al-Qaeda using Beslan to recruit more cannon fodder |
| 2004-09-30 |
| Al-Qaida is using the recent deadly hostage crisis at a Russian school as a recruiting tool, even though there's no direct evidence linking Osama bin Laden's terror network to the attack carried out by Chechen rebels, NBC News reported Tuesday. Citing a posting on the Internet, NBC News said an al-Qaida statement celebrates the deadly attack in the southern Russian city of Beslan. The posting claims the attack changed the course of the war between Chechen insurgents and Russia and urges Muslims to send money and fighters to Chechnya. Russian officials have claimed al-Qaida had a direct hand in the school attack, although no direct evidence has surfaced. Chechen warlord Shamil Besayev has claimed direct responsibility for the attacks and militants who seized the school included two Arabs, but he has also sought to downplay connections to al-Qaida. According to NBC, the current relationship between al-Qaida and Chechen rebels remains murky, although the terror network has in the past helped the Chechens with training and financing. Recent videos have turned up showing Arabs congregating with Besayev's fighters and meeting with the warlord, the network reported. The report cited fears among intelligence officials that al-Qaida and Chechen rebels may team up to attack targets in Europe, most likely Russian interests. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |