STATUS UNKNOWN
- Full name: Driss el-Atellah
- Pseudonym: N/a
- Alternatives: N/a
- Location: Belgium
- Affiliation: Base Organization [al-Qa’ida], fmr Moumen, Tarik and Gouram Module [MTGM]
Driss el-Atellah was a little-known Moroccan al-Qa’ida operative who was based in the Belgian city of Antwerp in the late 1990s and early 2000s.1 He was in direct contact with al-Qa’ida leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan.2 During his stay in Europe, Atellah posed as a businessman.3 He first spent time in Spain, before moving to Belgium.4
Atellah’s exact role was never revealed, but he apparently served as a liaison and logistics specialist. Atellah reportedly oversaw the production of false identity papers and housed foreign operatives.5 He also facilitated meetings between European-based al-Qa’ida members.6 In that capacity, Atellah developed relationships with senior associates of the organization including Sami Ben Khemais, Tarik Maâroufi, Mohammed Saber, Amor Sliti and Imad Yarkas.7 He was also closely linked to members of the Moumen, Tarik and Gouram Module [MTGM].8 Atellah also traveled to Iran, Syria and Turkey.9 The Iranians reportedly jailed him for some time on unspecified charges.10
A Belgian court sentenced Atellah to five years in prison in October 2004.11 During his trial, he steadfastly refused to attend proceedings.12 Atellah’s current status and whereabouts are unknown.
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