3rd Canadian linked to Algeria standoff

Two days after the story broke that two Canadian men were involved in the deadly siege of a gas plant in Algeria earlier this year, the RCMP has confirmed that the remains of two men from London, Ontario were in the wreckage.

Ali Medlej and Xristos Katsiroubas are believed to have played key roles in the Al Qaeda attack in January, where 38 hostages and 29 militants were killed. It was a four day siege that ended when the Algerian military stormed the gas plant.

Medlej and Katsiroubas were classmates at London South High School in the mid 2000s and reports over the last few days have indicated that Katsiroubas converted to Islam from Greek Orthodox during that time along with another high school friend, Aaron Yoon.

The RCMP would not confirm whether Yoon is part of their investigation, nor would they comment on the possible involvement of a fourth man who may have been orchestrating a militant operation in Southwestern Ontario. However foreign affairs has confirmed that Yoon is now in a North African prison. There are also reports he may have had contact with his high school friends while they were overseas and believed to be consorting with Al Qaeda militants.

Superintendant Marc Richer issued a public call for help. “Anyone with information, such as who may have assisted them in departing Canada, or any other information that may assist with our investigation into this matter, are encouraged to call national security at 1-800-420-5805. The RCMP is also interested in hearing about any others who are leaving Canada to take part in terrorist plots.”

“Everybody has a role to play in this. People may be in possession of a piece of info they might find benign. What we need to know is that benign piece of info, may be annoying somebody, maybe wondering what to do with it, pick up the phone.”

The RCMP are concerned about Canadians being radicalized to the point of violence. Although it’s not new, or confined to any particular religion, they say countering radicalization requires the public taking an active role by reporting suspicious activities.