American Qaeda operative arrested in Karachi

An American national said to be a member of Al Qaeda was captured in a raid in Karachi, but Pakistani officials later changed their version that the man picked up was the terror outfit's US-born spokesman.

The American suspect was identified as Abu Yayha Adam. The Pakistani intelligence had earlier claimed he was Adam Gadahn, one of US's most wanted fugitive, who has operated for long as spokesman for the Al Qaeda.

Though the man did not turn out to be the elusive Gadahn, the capture of an American national caused concern in Washington.

The arrest of the national comes just days after US ambassdor to Pakistan Annie Patterson said that the Obama administration does not know how many Americans might have disappeared overseas to train with Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups, but the number is not thought to be large.

Speaking at home, outlined a 'nightmare scenario' in which people holding US passports receive terrorist training then return legally to the US to commit violent acts.

The arrest of an American Al Qaeda member from Karachi comes weeks after intelligence officers captured Taliban's 'Number 2' Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar and some other top commanders from the same place.

Gadahn is the first American to face treason charges in more than 50 years and has appeared in more than six Al Qaeda videos taunting the West calling for more 9/11 attacks.