United States posts list of 'most-wanted' terrorists

11.30 am - By ANDREW BUNCOMBE

WASHINGTON DC - The United States unveiled a list of its most-wanted suspected terrorists this morning (NZT) and announced new rewards for information about the 22 men that it said should all be considered "armed and dangerous".

President George Bush said that by publicising their pictures, he was "robbing them of their secrecy" and increasing the pressure on them.

"Terrorists try to operate in the shadows, they try to hide. But we're going to shine the light of justice on them," he added, speaking at the headquarters of the FBI in Washington.

"These 22 individuals do not account for all of the terrorist activity in the world, but they're among the most dangerous, the leaders and key supporters, the planners and strategists. They must be found. They will be stopped, and they will be punished.

"All of our allies and friends will now be familiar with these evildoers and their associates. For those who join our coalition, we expect results. Eventually, no corner of the world will be dark enough to hide in."

Many of the 22 names are well-known, most particularly that of Osama bin Laden, the Saudi-born dissident blamed by the US for the September 11 attacks and the man at whom the current waves of US and British missile strikes in Afghanistan are aimed. Two of his most senior aides are also on

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