According to Scottish and American law enforcement sources, a man who is suspected of creating the bomb that crashed Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988 and killed 270 people is currently being held in the United States.
About two years after former US Attorney General Bill Barr originally revealed the country had filed charges against Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi, he was arrested.
Also read: Who is Abu Agila Mohammad Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi?
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, a Libyan who served as the director of the Centre for Strategic Studies in Tripoli, Libya, the head of security for Libyan Arab Airlines, and an alleged member of the Libyan intelligence community, died in 2012.
Megrahi was found guilty of 270 counts of murder for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 on January 31, 2001, by a panel of three Scottish judges sitting in a special court at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands. He received a life sentence in prison. Lamin Khalifah Fhimah, his co-accused, was exonerated and declared not guilty.
Also read: Who was Abdelbaset al-Megrahi?
That the alleged Pan Am flight 103 bombmaker is in American custody was confirmed in a Reuters report. Mas’ud is scheduled to appear in court for the first time in a Washington, D.C., federal court.
The spokesperson stated that more information on the court hearing’s schedule will be provided soon.
Also read: What happened to the Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie in 1998?
Where is Lockerbie?
Lockerbie is a town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is located in the south of the country, near the border with England. The town is situated in a rural area, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. Lockerbie is known for its strong community spirit and friendly locals.
The town gained international notoriety in 1988 when Pan Am Flight 103, a passenger airplane, crashed into the town. The disaster, which is also known as the Lockerbie bombing, resulted in the loss of 270 lives. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the town came together to support the victims and their families, and to rebuild the community.
Also read: Lockerbie bombing death toll and investigation: All you need to know
Today, Lockerbie is home to a number of attractions, including the Lockerbie Ice Rink and the Lockerbie Golf Club. The town also has a number of historical sites, including the remains of a Roman fort and several churches. Lockerbie is well-connected to the rest of the country, with regular train and bus services to nearby cities and towns.
Despite its tragic past, Lockerbie remains a charming and welcoming place, with a strong sense of community and a rich history. Visitors to the town can expect to receive a warm Scottish welcome, and to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the surrounding area.