'Important' Al-Qaeda Leader Captured Near Iran Border

Pakistani security officials say they have arrested a suspected French militant of Algerian origin, whom they claim is an "important" Al-Qaeda leader.

The officials said on June 20 that Naamen Meziche was captured in a raid close to the border with Iran, which would put the capture in Balochistan Province.

No further details about the arrest have been given.

Officials describe Meziche as an Al-Qaeda operative who has links to European-based militant groups believed to have been sheltering in either Pakistan or Iran.

Media reports say Meziche is believed to have worked closely with another Al-Qaeda leader, Younis al-Mauritani, who was captured by Pakistani authorities in September 2011.

That arrest also took place in Balochistan, which borders Iran.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters