Al-Qaeda cell was preparing to attack pipeline

Al-Qaeda cell was preparing to attack pipeline

An international Al-Qaeda cell, based in the northern Sinai Penninsula, is suspected of being involved in plans to attack gas pipelines running between Israel and Egypt.

According to Egyptian media, the plan was to strike Israeli ships passing through the Suez Canal.



Ten people, allegedly behind a February bomb attack at Cairo's famous Khan el-Khalili market, have been under suspicion since a police raid uncovered arms and information from a hideout used by the group.

The cache of explosives included anti-tank weapons, car bombs and personal explosive belts.

Two Palestinians, five Egyptians, a Belgian, a Briton and a French citizen are among the suspected cell members.

It is believed the European members probably entered Egypt through underground tunnels near Rafah into the Gaza Strip.

They allegedly received money for their mission and moved back to Egypt through the tunnels, at which time they allegedly carried out the Cairo attack.

It has been suggested the cell was controlled by Khaled Mohammed Ahmed, the Palestinian-based commander of an al-Qaeda group.

He has lived in the Gaza Strip since fleeing Egypt three years ago.