BULLETIN: Authorities In Canada Say Terror Plot Linked To Al-Qaeda Was Thwarted And That 2 Arrests Have Been Made
BULLETIN: (UPDATED 4:08 P.M. EDT U.S.A.) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police says a terrorist plot against a VIA passenger train in the Toronto area was thwarted and that two suspects were arrested today after a probe that began last year.
Arrested were Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, and Raed Jaser, 35. RCMP said they lived in the areas of Montreal and Toronto and that the plot had ties to Al-Qaeda.
The investigation was dubbed “Project SMOOTH,” and the FBI played a role in the probe, RCMP said.
“Each and every terrorist arrest the RCMP makes sends a message and illustrates our strong resolve to root out terrorist threats and keep Canadians and our allies safe,” said Assistant Commissioner James Malizia.
The agency said the plot sparked a “National Security criminal investigation” coordinated by RCMP-led Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSETs) in Montreal and Toronto.
INSETs, RCMP said, are specialized multi-agency investigative teams comprised of employees of the RCMP, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), and other law enforcement and national security partners at the federal, provincial, municipal levels who investigate all national security criminal threats.
Statement by VIA Rail, Canada’s national rail service:
“Thanks to an unprecedented cooperation between law enforcement and the security units of various departments, VIA Rail and CN, at no time was there an imminent threat to the VIA Rail passengers, employees or the general public. We cooperate with all involved in ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, our employees and the public. We do not comment on law enforcement activities. We acknowledge the work and dedication of the agencies involved.”
Patrick
Statement by David Jacobson, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada:
“I congratulate the RCMP on the arrest of two individuals on terrorism-related charges. These arrests were the result of extensive cross-border cooperation, which is the hallmark of our relationship. Dedicated professionals on both sides of the border brought these arrests to fruition, and I thank them for their service and hard work.
“This is an example of the United States and Canada working together to protect our citizens. It underscores the fact that we face serious and real threats, and that security is a shared responsibility. We all need to remain vigilant in confronting threats and keeping North America safe and secure.”
Patrick