Facing funds squeeze,Osama took interest in Pak kidnappings

Pressured by increased scrutiny of terrorist money sources and strikes aimed at its financiers,al-Qaedas core organisation.

Pressured by increased scrutiny of terrorist money sources and strikes aimed at its financiers,al-Qaedas core organisation in Pakistan has turned to kidnapping for ransom to offset dwindling cash reserves,according to US officials and information in files retrieved from Osama bin Ladens compound.

Osamas interest in kidnapping as a cash-raiser bolsters accounts that the financial squeeze has staggered al-Qaeda,forcing it to search for alternative funding sources. Officials would not detail al-Qaedas role in specific crimes,but the groups affiliates have targeted diplomats,tourists and merchants.

His awareness of al-Qaedas growing use of kidnapping is evidence that even in isolation behind high walls in Abbottabad,Pakistan,Osama kept tabs on how his network moved its money.

Experts from the CIAs National Counterterrorism Centre,the Treasury Department and FBI are trying to learn more from the recovered files about al-Qaedas money sources. They hope to identify al-Qaeda donors,especially wealthy Persian Gulf figures. The Treasury Departments acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence,David Cohen,said US efforts are focused on disrupting al-Qaedas cash flow from donors,fundraisers and facilitators.