Pakistanis arrest al Qaeda commander: ABC News

Washington, Aug 19: ABC News reported that Pakistani officials have arrested a top al Qaeda commander and that he could provide clues on the whereabouts of Islamic militant cells worldwide and Osama bin Laden.

The television network yesterday said Pakistani police arrested Matiur Rehman based on leads in the investigation of a foiled plot to bomb US-bound airplanes from London.

US law enforcement officials have been notified by the Pakistanis that Rehman is in custody, according to ABC.

No independent confirmation of the report was immediately available.

US intelligence officials say they cannot confirm his arrest and remain skeptical of the reports, ABC said.

Rehman is seen as a connection between al Qaeda and Pakistani extremists in major cities worldwide, ABC said.

REUTERS