Yousuf Abdullah Al-Qaradawi. [Source: Zuma Press/ Newscom] Yousuf Abdullah Al-Qaradawi. [Source: Zuma Press/ Newscom]July 1997:
Canadian Intelligence Learns of Militant Recruitment Effort in Canada -
In July 1997, Islamic Jihad operative MAHMOUD JABALLAH receives a fax from AHMAD SALAMA MABRUK, a member of Islamic Jihad’s ruling council living in AZERBAIJAN. Canadian intelligence has been closely monitoring Jaballah since he arrived in Canada in 1996 (see May 11, 1996-August 2001) and they learn the contents of this fax while monitoring him.
Mabruk’s fax gives guidance on how to recruit new operatives. Jaballah responds by telling MABRUK and THIRWAT SALAH SHEHATA, another member of Islamic Jihad’s ruling council, that he already has recruited some people affiliated with the MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD. Furthermore, THEY HAVE CANADIAN RESIDENCE PAPERS, they have been tested, and they have proven reliable. He says it is time for them to be briefed about their duties.
MABRUK replies that he is pleased and that these new recruits are very much needed. [Canadian Security Intelligence Service, 2/22/2008 pdf file]
Perhaps not coincidentally, it will later be reported that also in 1997, Canadian intelligence begins a large-scale investigation of Islamic militants in Canada that will eventually be formally named Project A/O Canada. [Globe and Mail, 3/17/2007]