ISLAMABAD // A Pakistani official says another man has been detained in connection with the main suspect in the Times Square attempted car bombing. The latest suspect to be questioned is a Pakistani named Humbal Akhtar. The official requested anonymity because he works for Pakistani intelligence and is not allowed to comment on the record. He gave no other details about Akhtar. The primary suspect, Pakistani-American Faisal Shahzad, is being held in the United States. The former financial analyst was accused of driving a crude homemade bomb of gasoline, propane gas, fireworks and fertiliser into a busy Times Square on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
The bomb was in a sport utility vehicle that prosecutors said Shahzad bought for US$1,300 (Dh 4,775) in cash. Prosecutors said Shahzad admitted to the bomb attempt and to receiving training in a Taliban and al Qa'eda stronghold in Pakistan. Intelligence officials have said around 11 people have been detained in the case in Pakistan. Akhtar's wife, Rahila, confirmed today in a brief phone conversation that her husband disappeared a few days ago. She declined to give more details.
* AP and Reuters
