TERRORISTS SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN MID-OHIO VALLEY

(08/10/2006)
While the news story of the day is mid-air terrorism across the Atlantic, a story has been unfolding in the Parkersburg-Marietta area.

Twenty-year-old Ali Howssaiky and Osama Abulhassan are facing charges of money laundering to aid terrorism, after being stopped by authorities in Washington County, Ohio.

The traffic stop happened Tuesday, according to Sheriff Larry Mincks.

The stop led police to thousands of dollars in cash, several disposable cell phones and instructions of how to obtain private flight information.

Mincks said they also found a list of flight passengers in the car.

"It also had information about airport checkpoints, and what would be accomplished there, so this is a little bit unusual," he said.

Disposable cell phones are especially important, because it appears their final destination was supposed to be overseas.

"They are digital and can be used to detonate car bombs," Mincks said.

Bonds has been set at $200,000 dollars.