U.S. Investigators Uncover Ties Between bin Laden and Suspects Under Investigation for Smuggling Explosives into U.S.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: CNN has learned that American investigators have found ties between suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden and suspects under investigation for smuggling explosives into the United States. CNN's justice correspondent Pierre Thomas is in Washington with more on this new development. Pierre, good morning.</s>PIERRE THOMAS, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Donna. Remember the millennium terrorism scare surrounding the arrest of an Algerian man caught in December with explosives in Washington state? Well, U.S. investigators say there is growing circumstantial evidence leading to suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden. CNN has learned Senegal officials have detained a man who investigators say has ties to bin Laden, and who is known to associate with Algerian suspects targeted for allegedly smuggling explosives into the United States. According to sources, U.S. investigators and intelligence officials suspect Slahi could be a major player in a terrorism conspiracy that was uncovered with a December 14 arrest off Ahmed Ressam in a remote border crossing at Port Angeles, Washington. Sources tell CNN that Slahi, who recently left Montreal for Senegal, may have ties to bin Laden operatives through marriage. And Slahi is believed to associated with Mohktar Haouri, who was indicted last week under suspicion of being a mid-level manager in the Washington terrorism plot. Haouri was being held in Canada. Senior law enforcement officials say that while they are suspicious of the many indirect ties to bin Laden, they have no proof he directed the failed bomb conspiracy. They're still trying to assess Slahi's role. Slahi has not been charged by U.S. officials, but sources tell CNN the U.S. attorney's office in New York is preparing to do so. If Slahi is charged, he would likely be extradited to the United States. I'm Pierre Thomas, reporting live from Washington.</s>LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: All right, thank you, Pierre.