DATE=APRIL 2, 2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288260

TITLE=BUSH / AL-QAIDA (S)

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT:

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S officials say Pakistan has arrested a top al-Qaida official. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, the White House says his capture will make it more difficult for the terrorist group to reorgainze.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says al-Qaida official Abu Zubaydah was among those arrested by Pakistani security forces last Thursday. He describes the Palestinian as a key recruiter and operational planner in Osama bin Laden's terrorist group.

Mr. Fleischer says Mr. Zubaydah was shot several times trying to escape the raid. He is now receiving medical care while being questioned about future al-Qaida planning. The White House spokesman says Mr. Zubaydah's capture is a "significant blow" to the terrorist group and makes it more difficult for them to reorganize. Mr. Fleischer says the group has many tentacles and "one of them has been cut off."

The White House spokesman praised Pakistan's efforts to arrest suspected Taleban and al-Qaida fighters. He says U-S troops are supporting those efforts, but are not taking part in the raids themselves. U-S officials believe al-Qaida is planning more attacks against the United States and hope Mr. Zubaydah's capture will help them figure out how to stop them.

(SIGNED)

NEB/MEM