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Coded calls from Brooklyn jail: How Iran operative directed terror plots in Europe, US

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi allegedly used calls from Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center to advance a conspiracy aimed at striking western targets. Working alongside charged associates Mohsen Mohajeri and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani, the network planned nearly 20 attacks against Jewish communities and the RAF Fairford airbase in England. The plot against the airbase led British authorities to intercept suspicious vans and detain several suspects under national security laws. Following these developments, the United States military opted to withdraw its bombers from the British installation.

Key points

  • Federal prosecutors are seeking to restrict al-Saadi's detention center phone privileges…: Federal prosecutors are seeking to restrict al-Saadi's detention center phone privileges after intercepted communications revealed coded discussions regarding ongoing operations.
  • The indicted network is accused of plotting approximately 20 attacks targeting European a…: The indicted network is accused of plotting approximately 20 attacks targeting European and American Jewish communities as well as a British military facility.
  • Authorities have charged two additional foreign associates living outside American custod…: Authorities have charged two additional foreign associates living outside American custody, while the Iranian government maintains that it had no involvement.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

A suspected Iran-backed terror plot targeting a British airbase used by the US military was allegedly being coordinated, in part, from a New York prison, where an accused operative used coded messages to communicate with associates, according to an indictment unsealed on Tuesday.

The accused, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a dual Iranian-Iraqi national, allegedly used calls with his mother and sister to relay instructions to operatives outside prison.

US prosecutors claim the messages were intended to keep plans for an attack on RAF Fairford in western England alive.

The indictment, reported by the Associated Press, provides fresh details about the suspected plot that came to light on September 27, when three suspicious vans were spotted heading towards the air base. Several men were subsequently detained on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences.

Al-Saadi was already behind bars at New York's Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn when the alleged communications took place. He had been arrested in the spring.

Prosecutors have also charged two alleged associates, Iranian national Mohsen Mohajeri and Iraqi national Mohammad Ali al-Hassani. They accuse the three…

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