Record in Oussama Kassir’s trial provides almost comic account of jihad camp in Oregon
By APSunday, October 18, 2009
Trial record provides account of Oregon jihad camp
BLY, Ore. — The trial of a man convicted of plotting to help recruit for al-Qaida has provided the fullest account yet of what went on a decade ago at a terrorism training camp in Oregon that never came to fruition.
According to the trial record, Oussama Kassir was enraged after first arriving at the Dog Cry Ranch near Bly, about 230 miles southeast of Portland, in December 1999.
He expected to be welcomed by Muslim recruits, eager to learn the ways of war. Instead, he got an Islamic leader from Seattle, a mentally impaired 18-year-old, and two women more interested in canning jars than jihad.
He expected access to a weapons armory. He got one pistol and a .22-caliber rifle.
Kassir recently was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the camp, which was intended to be an Islamic fighter training base but never fully materialized.
His alleged partners in the enterprise are awaiting extradition to the U.S.
Information from: The Oregonian, www.oregonlive.com
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
BLY, Ore. (AP) — The trial of Oussama Kassir — self-proclaimed al-Qaida tough guy — has provided the fullest account yet of what went on a decade ago at a terror training camp in Oregon.
According to the trial record, Kassir was enraged after arriving at the remote Dog Cry Ranch.
He expected to be welcomed by Muslim recruits, eager to learn the ways of war. Instead, he got an Islamic leader from Seattle, a mentally impaired 18-year-old, and two women more interested in canning jars than jihad.
Kassir expected access to a weapons armory. He got one pistol and a .22-caliber rifle.
Kassir recently was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the camp, which was situated on barren rangeland. His two alleged partners in the enterprise are awaiting extradition to the U.S.
Information from: The Oregonian, www.oregonlive.com
