NATO says it holds prisoner linked to al-Qaida

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- A Bosnian Muslim arrested by U.S. troops in Bosnia on suspicion of spying on a U.S. base is linked to the al-Qaida terrorist network, peacekeepers said Tuesday.

Sabahudin Fijuljanin, 41, was arrested Oct. 26 by U.S. troops from the NATO-led peacekeeping force based in Tuzla, northeastern Bosnia, when they saw him allegedly spying on their base.

During an investigation, the troops found an anti-tank weapon and several passports in Fijuljanin's home.

"We have information which links Fijuljanin to al-Qaida," said Lt. Cmdr. Yves Vanier, a spokesman for the peacekeepers.

Vanier said peacekeepers informed the government of the Muslim-Croat federation.

He said Fijuljanin would have access to a lawyer and that Red Cross officials would be allowed to see him. Meanwhile, he remains in custody at the U.S. Eagle Base in northern Bosnia.

Asked whether Fijuljanin had made any admissions, Vanier said, "Not to my knowledge."

A Muslim from the Yugoslav region of Sandzak, Fijuljanin has lived for years in Bosnia, where he is married and has four children. His Bosnian citizenship is being investigated.