Ahmed Mohamed Nasser al-Soofi and Hezam al-Murisi Arrested in Amsterdam on Suspicion of Planning Terror Attack

Lauren Comiteau

August 31, 2010

Two men flying from the United States to Holland are being questioned by Dutch investigators on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack. The men were flying from Chicago to Amsterdam when American officials found cell phones, knives and watches in one of their suitcases.

Ahmed Mohamed Nasser al-Soofi and Hezam al-Murisi were arrested at Amsterdam's Schipol airport, Monday. The men, thought to be of Yemeni origin, are being held for questioning at the request of American authorities.

U.S. airport security found suspicious-looking items in one of the men's luggage, including a cell phone taped to a medicine bottle, three knives and a box cutter and watches also taped together. Al-Soofi was carrying $7,000 in cash.

American homeland security officials say those items are not, in and of themselves, dangerous. But when the men changed flights and al-Soofi was not on board the same plane as his luggage, suspicions were raised.

American officials are saying the incident could be a "dry run" for a terror attack. The United airlines plane landed safely in Amsterdam and there was an air marshal aboard.

Dutch authorities are saying little, except that the two men have not yet been charged. They are not expected to appear in court for several days.

The men are being questioned in the Netherlands. The disputed luggage, though, remains in U.S. custody.