LONDON, May 10: A London judge ruled on Friday that a leading Al Qaeda suspect alleged to have plotted the destruction of Los Angeles airport can be extradited to the US to stand trial on terror charges.

Algerian Amar Makhlulif, 37, appeared at a top security magistrate’s court in London amid unprecedented security arrangements.

The district judge Timothy Workman ruled there was sufficient evidence to justify sending him to the US for trial.

Makhlulif is alleged to have plotted to blow up the Los Angeles airport on Millennium Eve.

He is suspected to have helped send would-be terrorists to Osama bin Laden’s training camps in Afghanistan. Before any extradition to the US the decision needs to be approved by the Home Secretary David Blunkett.

Defence spokeswoman Alison MacDonald said an appeal would be considered.

Makhlulif, is also as Doha and the Doctor, was remanded in custody pending the Home Secretary’s decision or any appeal.

It followed a day-long hearing last month when the court were told that Makhlulif was accused of plotting with Osama, Ahmed Ressam and others to blow up Los Angeles airport.

The police came to know about the plot when one of Makhlulif’s accomplices known as Ressam also an Algerian was arrested while crossing into the US from Canada with a car full of explosives.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...