Terror suspects wanted ‘green light’ from overseas jihadists, trial hears

TORONTO — The trial of two men accused of plotting to derail a passenger train is hearing they wanted to wait for a “green light” from jihadi “brothers” overseas before carrying out their alleged attack.

Raed Jaser and Chiheb Esseghaier face multiple terrorism-related charges in the alleged plot, which targeted a train travelling from New York to Toronto.

The trial has been hearing secret audio recordings of conversations the men had with an undercover FBI agent who gained their trust.

In one conversation, Esseghaier is heard saying that they are waiting for the “green light” from his radical Islamic brothers, who he met in Iran.

He is heard saying they can act independently, but it would be better to have the attack carried out in conjunction with the overseas jihadists “to give them the power” and send a message that they can “do what they want.”

Esseghaier is also heard telling the agent of a “sleeper” brother in the U.S. who they ought to meet with.

The conversations that are being played in court took place just before Esseghaier, Jaser and the undercover agent went to scout a location for the alleged train plot.

The alleged plan was to target a railway bridge in December 2012, court has heard.

Not-guilty pleas have been entered for Jaser and Esseghaier, who were arrested in April 2013.