LUSAKA, Aug 4: Zambian security services investigating a suspected British militant wanted by the United States have extended their probe to Pakistan through Interpol, a security source said on Thursday. Haroon Rashid Aswad’s deportation to Britain, initially expected by diplomats on Wednesday, has been put back to allow for more investigations into possible terrorist activities in Pakistan, the Zambian source said.
“Investigations have been extended to Pakistan through Interpol. We are verifying his possible connections with some militants involved in terrorist activities operating in Asia,” the source told Reuters.
The source added that it was not yet clear when Aswad would be extradited to Britain. Media reports have linked him to the July 7 London bombings but British police sources have said he is not thought to be involved. Instead he is likely to be extradited after arrival in Britain to the United States, where he is wanted on suspicions he tried to set up a militant training camp in Oregon.
Interpol said last week it had issued an arrest warrant on behalf of the United States which led to his detention. Zambian officials have said British security officials and representatives of the US Central Intelligence Agency are in Lusaka and that the British team has been allowed to interrogate Aswad.—Reuters
