By Robert Clarke, Guardian TT

National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee says he is "relatively certain" there are no foreign intelligence agencies in Trinidad investigating specific plans to attack US and British interests.

In a news release yesterday, Chin Lee said local enforcement and intelligence agencies are, however, working closely with other agencies to pre-empt any such terrorist attacks.

A daily newspaper reported yesterday that Umar Abdullah, leader of an Islamic group called Waajihatul Islaamiyyah, or the Islamic Front, is under scrutiny by the CIA, FBI and British SAS for plotting to attack US and British interests in T&T.

The American Embassy said it had no comment on the newspaper report.

In a message faxed to the Guardian newsroom in September, Waajihatul Islaamiyah threatened to make the October 7 election a "rather unfortunate event".

Jamaat al Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr said he has never heard of Abdullah or his organisation.

"He ent no important person," said Bakr.

Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association chairman Yacoob Ali noted there are a lot of Islamic splinter groups cropping up around T&T.

"People do get these extremist views from time to time," said Ali.

He pointed to a feeling of worldwide Islamic brotherhood and said the core of the problem in the Muslim world is the continued denial of a Palestinian state.

"He may be sympathising with the problems affecting the Middle East," Ali added.

"The US has allowed it (Israel/Palestine conflict) to drag on too long."

Ali said Wahabism, a Muslim sect which espouses autocracy, fundamentalism and sometimes violence, is practised in Trinidad, but its practices are contrary to Sunni (ASJA) beliefs.

He believes Abdullah’s threats are "just talk".

President of the Barrackpore Islamic Centre Nizam Baksh said Abdullah is an unknown.

"People like this usually have a reputation," he said, "but this guy is an unknown."

Baksh said he had seen Abdullah go to a Princes Town mosque once or twice, say his prayers and leave.

Abdullah could not be reached for comment.