Pak-based Al-Qaeda leadership directed failed NY subway bombing

Washington, July 8 (ANI): The Al-Qaeda leadership based in Pakistan had directed Najibullah Zazi, the confessed New York Metro bombing plotter, to carry out the terror strikes, US officials have said.

In its indictment against five terror suspects arrested, the US Justice Department disclosed that Zazi's plan was "directly related to a scheme by Al Qaeda plotters in Pakistan to use Western operatives to attack a target in the UK".

"The new charges underscore the global nature of the terrorist threat we face. They further reflect the effectiveness of mutual investigations and cooperation with our global partners in disrupting terrorism threats," The Daily Times quoted David Kris, assistant attorney general for national security at the Justice Department, as saying.

In February, Zazi had pleaded guilty to three charges, including that of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and providing support to Al-Qaeda.

Zazi had confessed before the federal court in Brooklyn that the plan to strike New York included "mortal operations" in the underground train system. (ANI)