Lockerbie bomb suspect in US custody was ‘abducted by warlord’ | First Thing

Mohammed Abouagela Masud accused by US of preparing the bomb that destroyed Boeing 747, killing 270 people in 1988. Plus, the oldest university student graduates

Good morning.

A former Libyan intelligence operative accused of preparing the bomb that brought down Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988 was taken into US custody after being abducted from his home by a notorious warlord and then detained by armed militia for two weeks, the Guardian has been told.

What have the White House said? Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, told reporters: Today is a good day because Masud will be facing justice for his alleged role in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. I will say that this was done in a lawful manner according to established procedures. For more specifics on how it happened I would refer you to the justice department because they're best positioned to be able to speak to that."

What did the justice department say? In a statement, Michael H Glasheen, the acting assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington field office, said: The lawful arrest and presentment in court of the alleged bombmaker ... is the product of hard work and partnerships across the globe."

How restrictive will those bans be? It remains to be seen. Conservatives across the country embroiled in conflicts over which exceptions - if any - should be allowed for abortion. Exceptions in the case of rape and incest, we realise, are sometimes a necessary political reality. And we would not block a bill or oppose a bill that would prevent 95% of abortions," explains Glenn.