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A terrorist gang in the kingdom was paying ‘close attention’ to the Israeli Embassy as well as monitoring security cameras on Budaiya Highway, the High Criminal Court heard.
A 34-year-old man from Hajar gave information to the Public Prosecution and confessed that he was recruited into the group.
According to testimony transcripts, the defendant, who is facing terrorism charges along with three other men currently on the run, also received orders to watch vehicles of American military personnel in Juffair.
The defendant added that two Sitra-based suspects, a 32-year-old from Kharijya and 27-year-old from Mahazza, had asked him and a friend, a 30-year-old office manager from Duraz who is also on the run, to start a business to use it as cover in a bid to buy firebomb supplies.
They also received supplies using ‘dead drops’ and each received a BD100 monthly salary.
A General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science agent gave his statement to the Public Prosecution corroborating the defendant’s account although he revealed the defendant and his partner-in-crime had received weapons training in Iran and Iraq.
The officer said that investigations had led to the belief that the wanted Sitra duo had indeed recruited the other two men, the court heard.
“They trained in Iraq in 2018 and in Iran in 2019,” he claimed. “In 2020, they received money from the Sitra duo to purchase surveillance equipment and a car.”
Another agent involved in the arrest told the Public Prosecution that after searching the captured defendant’s home, materials such as electric wires and large batteries, were found.
A bag filled with miscellaneous communication devices was also allegedly uncovered in his home, along with a memory card containing a PDF file with instructions on how to use them.
The 34-year-old, has denied all accusations in court. He has been charged alongside his accomplice, with joining a terrorist group, possessing materials that are used to create explosives, training to use weapons with the intention of committing crimes as well as collecting and transporting money for criminal purposes.
The ringleaders have been charged in absentia with recruiting the men and colluding with them to commit crime.
The trial has been adjourned to July 26.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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