OTTAWA, Canada – Two suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged Al Qaeda plot to derail a passenger train in Canada, police said on Monday.
Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, and Raed Jaser, 35, were allegedly planning to carry out an attack on a Via Rail passenger train in the Toronto area, an official told reporters.
The two men are expected to appear in court on Tuesday for a bail hearing. Charges include conspiring to carry out an attack and conspiring in association with a terrorist group to commit murder.
An official from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said at a news conference that the suspects “were receiving support from Al Qaeda elements located in Iran,” but added that “there’s no indication these attacks were state-sponsored.”
The duo received “direction and guidance” from Al Qaeda, officials said.
