Italy: Vast 'anti-terror' op arrests al-Qaeda suspects linked to Bin Laden

Two men who allegedly aided former al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden before his death were arrested on the island of Sardinia, Friday. Footage released by Italian police show the suspects being detained in their house before the premises were searched. The two suspects were reportedly part of an al-Qaeda affiliated network that protected Bin Laden before his death at the hands of US Special Forces in Pakistan during 2011. Police officials stated that the arrests were part of a mass "anti-terrorism" operation across seven Italian cities, pinpointing suspects linked to attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The suspects are also being investigated for possible plans to attack Vatican City in 2010. Police have alleged that members of the organisation also provided logistical support and cash to undocumented migrants in Italy hailing from Pakistan and Afghanistan.