A FORMER Iraqi intelligence official allegedly linked to al-Qaida has been captured by US forces, American officials said yesterday.

Former Iraqi spymaster Farouk Hijazi, captured by US forces, could be the man to link Saddam Hussein’s regime to Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida terror network.

Former Iraqi spy chief Farouk Hijazi has been captured by US forces near the Syrian border, an American official said today.

Syria may be preparing to quietly expel some members of the Iraqi government who have sought refuge inside its borders, US officials said.