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28 March 2024

Pakistani-American charged with aiding suicide bomber

Published
By AFP

A Pakistani-born US citizen in Portland, Oregon was charged Tuesday with helping one of three suicide bombers in a 2009 attack in Pakistan that killed 30 people and injured 300 more, the Justice Department said.

Reaz Qadir Khan, 48, could face life in prison if he is found guilty of the charges of "conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists."

He was arrested Tuesday without incident at his Portland home, before later appearing in court to hear the charges against him, a statement said.

Prosecutors allege Khan gave assistance to an individual named Ali Jaleel, who died while participating in the May 27, 2009 blast at the ISI headquarters in Lahore, in northeastern Pakistan.

According to the indictment, Khan provided Jaleel, who comes from the Maldives, and his family with "advice and financial assistance," including after Jaleel's death.

That aid included paying for Jaleel to attend a terrorist training camp and advice on how to escape detection, all while knowing the assistance "would be used in a conspiracy to kill, maim or kidnap persons abroad."