A British court has approved the extradition to the United States of an Algerian man suspected of links to the al-Qaida terrorist network and charged with plotting to blow up Los Angeles International Airport. The London judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for authorizing the extradition of Amar Makhlulif to the United States for trial. 

U.S. prosecutors say the accused, also known as Abu Doha and "the Doctor," is a key recruiter for al-Qaida, who had helped send would-be terrorists to training camps in Afghanistan. 

The decision still needs the approval of British Home Secretary David Blunkett. A lawyer for the accused says the defense is considering an appeal. 

U.S. authorities have accused Amar Makhlulif of plotting with al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden to blow up the airport during millennium celebrations two years ago. The plot unraveled when U.S. authorities arrested his accomplice Ahmed Ressam as he attempted to enter the United States from Canada with a carload of explosives. 

British officials arrested Amar Maklulif at Heathrow airport in February of last year as he was preparing to board a flight to Saudi Arabia. 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. 

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version