London, May 1 (IANS) Four Pakistani-Britons have been charged with taking inspiration from Al Qaeda magazine Inspire, and plotting to use a toy car to attack a base of the Territorial Army in Britain’s Luton town. The plot was, however, foiled.
Zahid Iqbal, 30, is accused of leading the terror network. He was joined by Mohammed Sharfaraz Ahmed, 24, Umar Arshad, 23, and Syed Farhan Hussain, 21.
The gang is accused of working to recruit others for jihad and raising funds, the Daily Mail reported.
The men were arrested at their homes in Luton last week.
The Westminster magistrates’ court heard the men bought survival equipment, downloaded Al Qaeda terror manuals and discussed methods and targets. Two of the men were caught discussing how to build explosive devices from instructions in Inspire magazine.
It was also claimed the gang planned to attack NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Ahmed is accused of acting as a recruiter and making an “explorative visit” to Pakistan where he may have undertaken terrorist activities, the daily said.
Hussain allegedly specialised in the distribution of funds and provisions, while Arshad allegedly provided practical guidance on activities abroad, what to wear to fit in and lead the outdoor training.
All four were accused of possessing editions of Inspire, and a terrorist book called “44 Ways to Support Jihad”.
Ahmed and Arshad were also found with a copy of “21 Techniques of Silent Killing”. Arshad was also accused of owning “The Al Qaeda Manual” while Hussain was accused of possessing “The Book of Jihad” and a manual named “The Explosives Course Two”.
The four men have been remanded in custody. The trial continues.
