Al-Qaida probe soldier could face death

A US National Guardsman accused of attempting to provide the al-Qaida terrorist network with information about US troops strength and tactics has been formally charged and could face a death sentence.

Specialist Ryan Anderson was formally charged in Fort Lewis, Washington, with three counts involving efforts to supply intelligence to the enemy.

In each count, Anderson is accused of “attempting to provide intelligence to the enemy ” by disclosing information to people he thought belonged to the terror network but who were actually US military personnel, the US military alleges.

The charges do not allege that Anderson ever actually passed information to real al-Qaida members.

The Uniform Military Code says attempts to aid the enemy can be punished by death.

Anderson, 26, is a tank crew member from the Fort Lewis-based 81st Armour Brigade. The 2002 Washington State University graduate converted to Islam in college. He joined the National Guard on May 15, 2002, according to Lt Col Stephen Barger, a US Army spokesman.

Barger refused to say whether the investigation was continuing or whether others might be involved.

He also refused to discuss how Anderson’s activities came to the US army’s attention or how the army set up the sting that led to his arrest. Anderson is being held at Fort Lewis.

In the first count, Anderson, also known as Amir Abdul Rashid, is alleged to have attempted to provide information about US army troop strength, movements, equipment, tactics and weapons systems, as well as methods of killing US army personnel and vulnerabilities of weapons systems and equipment.

Anderson is also alleged to have communicated by “oral, written and electronic communication” to the supposed “terrorists” that “I wish to meet with you, I share your cause, I wish to continue contact through conversations and personal meetings”.

The second charge alleges Anderson passed sketches of the M1A1 and M1A2 tanks, as well as a computer disc with such personal IDs as his passport photo, weapons card and military ID card.

The last charge alleges he “wrongfully and dishonourably” provided information on army troop strength, movements and equipment.

A military defence lawyer has been appointed for Anderson.

Anderson was arrested on February 12, just weeks before his brigade was to leave for duty in Iraq.

He had reported to Fort Lewis for active duty on November 15.