Militant held in Iraq says he plotted attacks on Danish, Dutch at World Cup

Detained militant in Iraq details World Cup plot

BAGHDAD — An al-Qaida militant detained in Iraq on suspicion of plotting to attack the World Cup says he wanted to target Danish and Dutch teams to avenge insults against the Prophet Muhammad.

Iraqi security forces announced the arrest of Saudi citizen Abdullah Azam Saleh al-Qahtani Monday, saying he was suspected of planning an attack in South Africa during the World Cup beginning June 11.

During an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press arranged by Iraqi security officials holding al-Qahtani, he described the plot and said the World Cup was considered an important target.

Iraqi security officials said no steps had been taken to put it into motion such as obtaining bomb-making materials.