Al-Qaeda figures with links to the September 11 attackers have engaged in regular communication with two Australian Islamic leaders, according to documents and telephone intercepts tendered in an international terrorist case. Last night, the Australian Federal Police confirmed that Belal Khazal, a leader of the Lakemba-based Islamic Youth Movement (IYM), and Melbourne spiritual leader Sheik Mohammed Omran were “persons of interest” – and were among 65 active counter-terrorism cases under investigation in Australia. Documents and telephone intercepts tendered in an international terrorist case show the two men have links to Spain’s top extremist suspect, Abu Dahdah. Only last month, it was claimed a 2002 CIA report identified Mr Khazal, a former Qantas baggage handler, as an al-Qaeda operative. He has repeatedly denied any terrorist links, but last night would not be drawn on any contact with Abu Dahdah. Full Story
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