Policemen stand guard at a security check point in Karachi on February 16, 2010. — AFP

KARACHI Three men closely linked to Al-Qaeda were arrested during raids in Karachi's Gulshan-i-Iqbal area.

Intelligence officials arrested the three from Gulshan-i-Iqbal's Block 17. 

The names of two of the three were released Kifayatullah and Abu Reyan Al Zarkazi also known as Abu Musa.

Abu Musa is a known associate of Osama Bin Laden and was notorious for firing down US drones in Waziristan.

He was also the commander of foreign combatants in Pakistan and prior to 9/11 travelled with Osama Bin Laden to Sudan.

The three were in Karachi to purchase mechanical parts from Sher Shah. Among other items purchased were washing machine timers — important components in time bombs. — DawnNews