Author: PTI
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: January 9, 2009.
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/148860/FBI-seeks-questioning-of-more-individuals-in-Indias-custody.html
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
which is helping Indian intelligence agencies and police in probing the Mumbai
terror attack, has sought permission from New Delhi to interrogate more persons
in its custody.
"The FBI continues its investigation
in Mumbai attack and has asked to interview other individuals in Indian custody
who may be able to provide critical information on attack planning and group
leadership," Donald Van Duyn, Chief Intelligence Officer, Directorate
of Intelligence, National Security Branch of FBI said in his testimony before
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
FBI's counter-terrorism agent and analysts
were analyzing information on the Mumbai attacks to determine who was responsible,
assess lessons learned, to determine if the US may be vulnerable to a similar
attack,and determine the threat posed by the group-or individuals tied to
the groupto the country, Duyn said.
Reiterating the US position that Pakistan-based
terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Toiba had provided the training and direction
to the terrorists for the Mumbai attack, Duyn said FBI assesses that LeT remains
a threat to US interests in South Asia and, to a lesser extent, the US Homeland.
"We have no current intelligence indicating
that there is an organized LeT presence in the United States or that LeT senior
leadership is seeking to attack the US Homeland. LeT does maintain facilitation,
procurement, fund-raising, and recruitment activities worldwide, including
in the United States," he said.
