New York attack probe expands to Uzbekistan
New York
INVESTIGATORS in Uzbekistan combed records and intelligence reports on militant factions in the Central Asian nation on Wednesday seeking to fill out the portrait of the 29-year-old immigrant who brought Halloween death and bloodshed to a Manhattan bike path.
The Washington Post reported that the Uzbek probe came as US officials also dug deeper into the life of the suspect, identified as Sayfullo Saipov, since he arrived in the United States six years ago and shifted from New Jersey to Ohio and Florida. Saipov was wounded by police as they surrounded the rented flatbed truck on Tuesday after it mowed through cyclists and others on the popular bike route overlooking the Hudson River.
At least eight people were killed and 11 were injured along a path of strewn bodies and castoff items - purses, backpacks, shoes - similar to scenes in other attacks in Berlin, London, Barcelona and elsewhere where vehicles have been used as tools of terrorism. Five Argentines and a Belgian were among the victims in New York.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "there have been no reports of Singaporeans directly affected or injured in the incident." MFA said the Singapore Consulate in New York has reached out to Singaporeans who are e-registered in New York. Singapore has strongly condemned the terrorist attack.
According to a video from the scene, the attacker jumped out of the wrecked vehicle brandishing what appeared to be handguns. Some witnesses said he shouted "Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is great" in Arabic. Inside the rental truck, investigators found a handwritten note in which Saipov had declared his allegiance to the Islamic State, according to officials.
Among the chief questions for investigators waiting to interrogate Saipov is whether he acted alone or had possible connections to wider militant cells. US law enforcement officials identified Saipov as an immigrant from Uzbekistan, but officials in the country said they were trying to confirm details on the suspect including his background.
Still, the Uzbek connection emerged as central element in the investigation. A message to President Donald Trump from Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, promised to use all resources to help in the probe.
It was unclear whether Saipov had possible deeper connections to the group or was a so-called "lone wolf" influenced by militant ideology.
Uzbekistan also has homegrown factions that have allied with larger militant groups. Uzbek militants have long fought in Afghanistan, where they were allied with the Taliban, and they have launched attacks on US and Nato troops. In 2015, a faction of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which has a strong presence in Afghanistan, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
