Iran arrests Jundullah chief for Qaeda links

Iran has arrested Jundullah leader Abdul Malik Rigi, citing his ties with the Al Qaeda network, intelligence sources said.

According to reports, Rigi was on a flight heading to Dubai through Pakistan when he was held. The Iranian media has termed Rigi as "the country's most wanted fugitive."

Sources said, "Rigi was believed to be under the Al Qaeda's control, a situation unacceptable to Pakistan. Some time ago Rigi enjoyed close ties with the Pakistani intelligence setup, but now he was out of control."

Talking to rediff.com, Syed Saleem Shahzad, Asia Times Online's Pakistan bureau chief, said: "Rigi had established links with the Al Qaeda; Jundullah was to be used in Pakistani Balochistan to lay the foundation for joint regional operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and India."

Jundullah had influence in Pakistani Balochistan and the Iranian province of Sistan-Balochistan.

Jundullah planned to disrupt operations at Chabahar port, as it is used for NATO supplies going to Afghanistan. The other route that passes through Khyber agency in tribal areas of Pakistan is already under the influence of Pakistani Taliban. Through Jundullah the Al-Qaeda could also establish its presence in Iran for carrying out operations to create a strategic balance against any Iranian role in Afghanistan and Iraq.