Bin Laden visit to Brazil reported

Osama bin Laden passed through Brazil's border area with Argentina and Paraguay in 1995, a leading weekly magazine reported, citing Brazilian military intelligence sources.

The terrorist mastermind met the Arab community in the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguacu during his brief visit, the weekly Veja reported.

The so-called triple border area where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet has long been suspected of harbouring militants, or providing a haven and financing for them.

Veja said a videotape showed bin Laden participating in meetings at a mosque in the area during his brief visit. He was reported to have entered Brazil from Argentina.