Homeland Security

DATE=03/17/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PAK/AL-QAIDA/ARREST (L-O)

NUMBER=2-300811

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Authorities in Pakistan are said to have detained six more suspected militants linked to the al-Qaida terrorist network hiding in the country. Ayaz Gul reports from the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

TEXT: Pakistani intelligence sources tell V-O-A the six alleged terrorists were picked up Sunday in different operations in central Punjab province.

They say the arrests were made possible by information gathered since the detention of a suspected al-Qaida leader, Yassir al-Jazeeri on Saturday. The Moroccan national is believed to be al-Qaida's communications and logistics expert.

Pakistani and U-S agents are currently questioning him at an unknown location in Pakistan.

Sources involved in the interrogation say that those detained on Sunday include three Afghans, a Qatari national and Mr. al-Jazeeri's brother-in-law. There has been no official announcement of the latest arrests.

The intelligence sources say investigators believe that Yassir al-Jazeeri played a role in disseminating audio and video tapes of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden to the media. But this could not be independently confirmed.

In recent days, authorities in Pakistan have made significant gains in their hunt for al-Qaida fugitives hiding in the country.

Experts from the U-S Federal Bureau of Investigation are providing intelligence and technical assistance to Pakistan to track down these militants.

Early this month, al-Qaida's operational commander Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was arrested in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, just outside the Pakistani capital. He is now in U-S custody. The United States believes Mr. Mohammed planned the September 11, 2001 deadly attacks on New York and Washington. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/RAE/FC