Al Qaeda ‘Targeting European Rail Network’
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Europe’s high-speed rail network is at risk of being attacked by al Qaeda, according to a German newspaper.
Bild, citing intelligence sources, said the extremist group could plant explosives on trains and tunnels or sabotage tracks and electrical cabling.
The paper said the information came from the National Security Agency (NSA) in the U.S., which listened to a conference call involving high-ranking al Qaeda operatives.
The attacks on Europe’s rail network was a “central topic” of this call, Bild said.
Authorities in Germany are believed to have deployed plain-clothed officers at key stations and on main routes.
According to U.S. media reports, intelligence services intercepted a conference call earlier this month between al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri and more than 20 operatives from across the group’s global network.
This prompted the U.S. and several allies to shut embassies across the Muslim world, fearful of a major attack.
On August 1, the U.S. issued a worldwide alert, warning of al Qaeda plans to launch an attack in the Middle East or North Africa.
