Syrian-based Al-Qa’ida Sought to Kidnap UN Workers

Iraqi intelligence officers have provided the Associated Press with copies of letters showing plans by the head of the Al-Nusra Front – an affiliate of Al-Qa’ida – to kidnap United Nations workers. Abu Mohammed Al-Golani’s Al-Nusra is one of the most powerful groups fighting with the rebel forces against the Al-Assad regime in Syria. Along with the letters, the documents received by AP included what was said to be the first photograph of Al-Golani. The information was obtained from another Al-Qa’ida-affiliated group. The letters were said to contain vitriol against Shiites, whom Sunnis accuse of heresy in their practice of Islam. The bulk of the Al-Nusra fighting force is comprised of Syrians, although some high-ranking members are foreigners.