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Weepy Would-Be Subway Bomber Wanted Revenge For Iraq Gang Rape
By
John Del Signore
Published Apr 19, 2012
Modified Apr 19, 2012
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By
John Del Signore
Published Apr 19, 2012
Modified Apr 19, 2012
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of a thwarted plan to blow up several NYC subway trains testified for the second day in the trial of his alleged accomplice yesterday. According to Najibullah Zazi, the attack was motivated by a desire for avenge the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl by U.S. soldiers in 2006. In a “martyrdom” video, Zazi said, ‘This is for her,’ ” referring to the girl. He also explained that al-Qaeda taught him a 'very simple' formula for suicide bombs using materials that could all be bought over the counter.
Zazi says he learned how to make bombs by mixing chemicals such as acetone, hydrogen peroxide, clarified butter or “ghee,” flour and other products, which he points out are available "everywhere." Ball bearings and nails would be used, and once the bomb exploded, they would act like bullets, Zazi predicted. In a Pakistan terror training camp, Zazi and three ex-classmates from Flushing High School trained for the attack, which was inspired by the London subway bombings in 2005. Here's newly-released video of Zazi talking about the bomb-making with FBI agents:
And today, during his third day of testimony, Zazi broke down on the witness stand when asked if he still considered the defendant, Adis Medunjanin, to be a good friend. "I love him,” Zazi replied, according to the Wall Street Journal, which reports that Zazi started crying. Asked if he believed Medunjanin was serious about the suicide bombings, Zazi "appeared unable to answer, wiping his eyes with a tissue and holding his head in his hands. After a pause, in a soft voice, he answered: 'Yes.'"
"I knew there was going to be three bombs," Zazi testified as part of the trial of alleged accomplice Adis Medunjanin. "Three of us would go to different locations,” he said. “I would make the bombs, and we would all be suicide bombers... We discussed about targets that damage the United States economy and which public areas would have better impact afterward." al-Qaeda leaders allegedly told them, "We need to send a message to the United States. Especially President Obama."
Zazi and co-conspirator Zarein Ahmedzay have confessed to plotting the terrorist mission, and Zazi is testifying in hopes for leniency when he's sentenced. Still at large is Adnan Shukrijumah, a Saudi fugitive wanted by the FBI for orchestrating this foiled mission and other al-Qaeda attacks worldwide.
Tagged
al-qaeda
Najibullah Zazi
subway bombing
terrorism
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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