A London court has ruled an Algerian accused of plotting to blow up an airport should be extradited from Britain to stand trial in the United States.
Mr Amar Makhlulif - also known as Abu Doha and "The Doctor" - is accused of overseeing a group of Algerians who plotted to blow up Los Angeles International Airport before the millennium celebrations and of meeting Osama bin Laden to coordinate efforts.
Mr Makhlulif (37) smiled as he was led away by police and security guards after magistrate Mr Timothy Workman had delivered his verdict.
"I'm satisfied that the remaining evidence is properly certified . . . that the offences are themselves extradition crimes and that the defendant is the person being sought by the USA," Mr Workman told the court.
The magistrate's decision now has to be ratified by British home secretary Mr David Blunkett. That is expected to take at least 15 days, and Mr Makhlulif can lodge an appeal against the decision at the High Court until Mr Blunkett gives his approval.
Mr Makhlulif is also accused of facilitating the travel arrangements of recruits from numerous countries to camps in Afghanistan as well as helping individuals intent on carrying out holy war operations.