U.S. and Hong Kong (2002)

04 October 2002

Ashcroft Announces Key Developments in War Against Terrorism

Following is a transcript of the news conference, released by the Justice Department:

(begin transcript)

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT NEWS CONFERENCE

SUBJECT: TERRORISM ARRESTS MADE BY PORTLAND AND DETROIT JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCES

PARTICIPANTS: ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT FBI DIRECTOR ROBERT MUELLER DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL LARRY THOMPSON ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL MICHAEL CHERTOFF U.S. ATTORNEY FOR PORTLAND, OREGON, MICHAEL MOSMAN

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT:

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With today's arrests, we have charged more than 17 individuals since August the 28th.

The facts alleged in the indictment are these: Following the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, defendants Battle, Ford, Muhammad Bilal and Ahmed Bilal and al Saoub acquired various firearms and engaged in weapons training and physical training in preparation to fight a jihad. In October 2001, as United States troops entered into battle against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the indictment charges that Battle, Ford, Muhammad Bilal, Ahmed Bilal and al Saoub began to travel to Afghanistan to join forces with Taliban and al Qaeda troops battling United States and allied military personnel.

The indictment charges that the five defendants purchased airline tickets to Hong Kong with the intent of traveling to Taliban- controlled Afghanistan via China and Pakistan. On November 2nd, 2001, Battle told his ex-wife and alleged co-conspirator, October Lewis, that the group had encountered difficulties crossing the border of China into Afghanistan. The indictment charges that on eight occasions, Lewis wired money to Battle overseas with the knowledge that the money would be used to support his attempt to reach Afghanistan to fight with Taliban and al Qaeda forces.

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Q: Have you had assistance from China in this matter?

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT: We are not going to go beyond the limits of the indictment in commenting on the evidence in the case.

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