WASHINGTON, Nov 22: US authorities on Tuesday indicted Jose Padilla, an American held for more than three years on suspicion of planning a ‘dirty’ bomb attack, with terrorism charges.

But the indictment did not mention the alleged plot to attack the United States for which Jose Padilla, a former Chicago gang member, had been held as an “enemy combatant” since May 2002.

Mr Padilla, 35, was added to a list of four other people, including a Canadian, charged with conspiracy to murder US nationals overseas and giving support to terrorists.

“All of these defendants are alleged members of a violent terrorist support cell that operated in the United States and Canada,” said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

“As alleged in the indictment, this cell supported terrorists by sending money, physical assets, and new recruits to overseas jihad conflicts.

“These defendants also allegedly took steps to disguise their fundraising and recruitment activities by speaking in code and using non-governmental organizations as a front for illegitimate activities,” Mr Gonzales said at Justice Department press conference.—AFP