Gary Fitleberg, December 30, 2003

Two of the "Lackawanna Six" have faced trial and no jail sentences for their role in support of Al Qaeda and its leader Osama Bin Laden. Mukhtar Al Bakri, 23, a Yemini American who attended an Al Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan, where he met Osama Bin Laden, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Yasin Taher, 25, was sentenced to 8 years.

The case involving an alleged terrorist cell in America drew national attention last year after the Bush administration dubbed them the "Lackawanna Six" for supporting terrorism, Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.

Like his companions, Al Bakri agreed to provide information to the FBI and intelligence agencies before sentencing. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization. The charge carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,00 fine or both. Al Bakri also received a $2,000 fine in addition to his jail time.

Al Bakri did not address the court in his defense. Taher apologized for his actions in the courtroom and told the judge he knew he had let a lot of people down. Prosecutors stated he provided substantial cooperation in their investigation.

Al Bakri was seized in a Bahrain hotel room on his wedding night during September 2002 and turned over to U.S. authorities. He had become the focus of U.S. government interest after an e-mail he sent from Saudi Arabia referred to a "big meal", which intelligence analysts interpreted as a possible terror attack.

After his arrest, the Yemini American told investigators that in early April 2001, he and several of his companions from Lackawanna agreed to attend Al Farooq camp in Afghanistan. While enroute, he reportedly stayed at a guest house in Kandahar and was shown videotapes of Bin Laden and of the bombing of the U.S. guided missile destroyer Cole. The attack on the warship while in port for refueling in Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2002, killed 17 sailors and injured 39.

Al Bakri had spent several weeks at the camp in Afghanistan, where he received firearms training, including the use of rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and land mines.

Bin Laden spoke at the facility while Al Bakri was there. Al Bakri claims to have spoken with Bin Laden several times throughout the training. Staff members apparently talked about Al Qaeda’s intention to attack the U.S.

Court papers stated that Taher, who was born in the U.S., knew before he was leaving Lackawanna, N.Y., for the camp that Bin Laden provided funding for it. While at the camp in May 2001, he received instruction in weapons, explosives and tactics. Like others being trained, he also performed guard duty. Prosecutors stated Taher left the Al Farooq camp shortly after a speech by Bin Laden that mentioned missions against the United States and Israeli interests. He did not complete all of the training available.

Both suspected terrorists gave the government investigators "highly sensitive and valuable information" during a series of extensive interviews. The intelligence included identifying and describing a number of Al Qaeda leaders, trainers and recruits.

The four other suspected terrorists also pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced soon. The U.S. government has recommended prison terms between seven and 10 years for Sahim Alwan, 30; Faysal Galab, 27; Yahya Goba, 26; and Shafal Mosed, 25.

U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft issued a statement declaring "With today’s conviction, the Department of Justice has succeeded in shutting down and prosecuting a source of material support for Al Qaeda and securing the cooperation of individuals who trained side-by-side with our terrorist enemies. Ashcroft added, "The continuing assistance ensured by the pleas in the Buffalo case will continue to strengthen our efforts to prevent terrorism."

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2003 Gary Fitleberg