American born radical cleric al-Awlaki linked to UK terror plot

Washington, Dec 29 (ANI): Anwar al-Awlaki, an American born radical Yemeni cleric who is reportedly the first American on CIA's capture or kill list, is linked to nine suspects in an alleged terror plot in Great Britain.

According to Fox News, the nine suspects were taken to a British court on Tuesday under heavy guard.

According to a Scotland Yard spokesman, the suspects were arrested under the terrorism act 2000 on the suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Sources also said that in keeping with Awlaki's online propaganda, the suspects allegedly chose highly symbolic targets including Big Ben and the U.S. embassy compound for their supposed plot.

"It's almost like a bit of a training manual that's being delivered via the Internet right to the doorstep of whomever in the UK or United States or Canada or wherever in the western world," said William Gaches, a former senior intelligence officer.

While searching the suspects' homes, investigators have reportedly found two issues of "Inspire" magazine, Al Qaeda in Yemen's version of a lifestyle periodical-a Martha Stewart Living for Jihadists.

Awlaki's group, Al Qaeda in Yemen, has also reportedly included former Guantanamo detainees Saeed Al Shehri and Mohammed Al Awfi as part of its leadership structure. (ANI)