Alleged terror plot on Toronto passenger train thwarted by authorities

Two alleged terrorists, one from Toronto, the other from Montreal--with what Canadian police and intelligence agencies--identify as “support” and “guidance” from “al Qaeda “elements in Iran” have been thwarted in a terrorist attack on a daily passenger train travelling between Toronto and New York City. The thwarted attack was revealed in an RCMP press conference today within an hour of the moment of silence commemorating last Monday’s Boston Marathon terrorist attack that killed three and injured more than 170.

“The two accused are Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, of Montreal and Raed Jaser, 35, from Toronto. They have been charged with conspiracy to carry out a terrorist attack and “conspiring to murder persons unknown for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a terrorist group.” (Greg Weston, CBC News, April 22, 2013) The RCMP accuses the two men of conspiring to commit (an) “al-Qaeda-supported attack” against a Via passenger train. The suspected were acting with the “direction and guidance of al Qaeda”.

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In a statement, the RCMP said while they believe the individuals accused had the “capacity and intent” to carry out an attack, they believed there was “no imminent threat” to the public, rail employes, train passengers or infrastructure. Highly placed sources tell CBC News the alleged plotters have been under surveillance for more than a year in Quebec and southern Ontario. Sources say the alleged plot disrupted by today’s arrests was potentially more dangerous than the bombings and hostage-takings planned by the so-called Toronto 18, on June 2, 2006. The Toronto 18 plot, which included a plan to behead Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper, was foiled in the summer of 2006, when police arrested 18 people in a massive anti-terrorism sweep in southern Ontario. “A domestic attack being supported by al Qaeda is the significance of this,” is how RCMP assistant Commissioner Jammies Malizia described today’s thwarted attack. “By the derailing of a train, we were looking at a real threat to kill people and hurt people,” he said. The two suspects are expected to appear at Old City Hall courthouse in Toronto tomorrow. Authorities ask Canadians to stay on alert and encourage the public to bring any suspicious activities to the RCMP’s attention through the National Security Information Network (1-800-420-5805) or by contacting the police in their community.

Update: Tuesday, April 23, 2013

First picture of Canadian terror suspect as it is revealed that Toronto Muslim leader tipped authorities to al-Qaeda plot to derail Toronto to New York train

• Chiheb Esseghaier, 35, and Raed Jaser, 30, were arrested yesterday
• Suspected received orders and got guidance from Al Qaeda leader in Iran
• Planned to target New York-bound train leaving from Toronto
• Jaser's house in Toronto raided by police and evidence removed
• Iran denies involvement or that the orders came from al-Qaeda leaders in the country
• Prominent Toronto imam reportedly tipped off authorities about plot

The first image has emerged of one of the Canadian terror suspects who plotted to derail a New York-bound train as it crossed near the Niagara Falls. More...