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This is an archive article published on April 24, 2013
Canada thwarts Qaeda-backed train plot,Iran denies role
Canadian police have arrested two men and charged them with plotting to derail a Toronto-area passenger train in an operation they say was backed by al-Qaeda elements
Written by Reuters
Toronto | April 24, 2013 01:26 AM IST
2 min read
2 min read
Canadian police have arrested two men and charged them with plotting to derail a Toronto-area passenger train in an operation they say was backed by al-Qaeda elements in Iran. Had this plot been carried out,it would have resulted in innocent people being killed or seriously injured, Royal Canadian Mounted Police official James Malizia told reporters Monday.
Malizia said they had received support from al-Qaeda elements in Iran,but added there was no sign the conspiracy,which police described as the first known al Qaeda-backed plot on Canadian soil,had been sponsored by the Iranian state.
Nevertheless,Iran reacted angrily. Canada last year severed diplomatic ties over what it said was Irans support for terrorist groups,as well as its nuclear programme and its hostility towards Israel.
No shred of evidence regarding those whove been arrested and stand accused has been provided, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday,according to Mehr news agency. He said al- Qaedas beliefs were in no way consistent with the Islamic Republic,and that Iran opposed any kind of violent action that endangers lives.
The RCMP said it had arrested Chiheb Esseghaier,30,of Montreal,and Raed Jaser,35,of Toronto in connection with the plot. Authorities said it was not linked to last weeks Boston Marathon bombings
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