Pakistan 'key' to UK terror plots

Washington, 27 Oct-(ANA)-A US report investigating links between Britain and Pakistan says that "a physical and ideological terrorism pipeline" exists between the countries.

The report, published by centre-right think tank The Heritage Foundation, argues that "Pakistan is central" to terrorist plots in Britain.

More than a quarter of those convicted of terrorism in the UK trained or tried to train in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

It also warned that British "homegrown" terrorism constitutes a major threat.

The Heritage Foundation, examined data from "major Islamist terrorist plots" in Britain between 11 September 2001 and early August 2009.

The authors, Ted Bromund and Morgan Roach, said the data they analysed showed that 19 out of the 87 individuals convicted of terrorism offences in Britain had family ties to Pakistan.

At least one was a Pakistani citizen, they say, and 61 were affiliated with al-Qaeda.

They also warn of British homegrown terrorism citing the 18 individuals linked to major plots over the past eight years who were trained in Britain - more than in any other country except Pakistan.

The report also noted that North Africa posed a threat, with at least 13 individuals having ties to the region, six of whom were Algerians. (ANA)

FA/ANA/27 October 2009---