Homeland Security

Iran Says It is Holding Senior al-Qaida Members
Michael Drudge
London
23 Jul 2003, 16:35 UTC

Iran says it is holding some senior members of the al-Qaida terrorist network who fled to Iran after the U.S.-led war in neighboring Afghanistan.

The Iranian intelligence minister, Ali Yunesi, says a large number of al-Qaida suspects are in Iranian custody.

He said those jailed include some top members of the terrorist network, which is held responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States.

Mr. Yunesi did not name any of the detainees.

The United States on Monday again accused Iran and Syria of harboring terrorists, an allegation that both countries deny.

Iran says it has held talks with intelligence officials from Britain and other countries about what should be done with detained al-Qaida suspects.

Hundreds of al-Qaida members are believed to have entered Iran after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan overthrew the Taleban regime in the final months of 2001.