NBC: U.S. citizen accused of aiding al-Zarqawi [View All]

[ECH1969]

The American, Shawqi Omar, who lived for years in Minnesota, Utah and North Carolina, allegedly met with al-Zarqawi on numerous occasions and is related to the al-Qaida leader, through marriage, new federal court documents reveal. Omar is also one of 12 people charged Oct. 17, 2004, with plotting a chemical attack in Jordan.

The general's declaration said Omar had “several weapons and Improvised Explosive Device-making materials in his home,” and that there is “testimonial evidence of Mr. Omar's numerous private meetings with al-Zarqawi.”

The declaration adds that Omar “was captured harboring an Iraqi insurgent and four Jordanian foreign fighters" and that they all conducted surveillance of potential kidnap victims within Baghdad. Omar allegedly used his English skills “to visit Baghdad hotels in order to entice foreigners to return to Omar's home for the purpose of their kidnap and ransom.”

Omar's family denies his terrorist connections. His lawyers said that, as an American citizen, Omar should be allowed to face charges in an American court of law. Currently, he is being held by the U.S. coalition forces in an Iraqi prison as an “enemy combatant.”

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11225752/