Iraq says it uncovered al-Qaida plot on World Cup

13:54, 18 May 2010

BAGHDAD. May 18. KAZINFORM Iraqi security forces have detained an al-Qaida militant suspected of planning an attack targeting the World Cup in South Africa next month, an official said Monday; Kazinform refers to China Daily.

Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, a spokesman for Baghdad security services, said Abdullah Azam Saleh al-Qahtani was an officer in the Saudi army. He is suspected of planning a "terrorist act" in South Africa during the World Cup beginning June 11, al-Moussawi told a news conference in Baghdad.

He said al-Qahtani entered Iraq in 2004 and is suspected in several attacks in the capital and elsewhere in the country.

Earlier Monday, South African police paraded fire engines, armored carriers and other vehicles through Johannesburg to show they were ready to secure the country for the World Cup.

"South Africa will be hosting the whole world, and therefore will take no chances," Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said; Kazinform cites China Daily. See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version.

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