04 November 1998
(Up to $5 million for two charged in E. Africa embassy bombings) (650) Washington -- The Department of State is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction anywhere in the world of Osama Bin Laden and his military commander, Mohammad Atef, State Department Spokesman James P. Rubin announced November 4. "They were charged today with the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York," Rubin said. He added: "The United States is strong and unwavering in its commitment to the fight against international terrorism, and our motivation is high in bringing those responsible for these barbaric attacks to justice, especially Mr. Bin Laden." Following is the State Department text of Rubin's statement: (Begin text) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman November 4, 1998 STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN REWARD OFFER: OSAMA BIN LADEN AND MOHAMMAD ATEF In the past three months, U.S. law enforcement officials have made significant progress in the investigation of the terrorist attacks against our embassies in East Africa. Today, the United States has taken a significant step in further identifying those individuals responsible for these acts of cowardice. In accordance with the announcement by the U.S. Attorney in New York this afternoon, the U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction anywhere in the world of Osama Bin Laden and his military commander, Mohammad Atef. They were charged today with the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York. These cowardly attacks, allegedly planned and financed by Osama Bin Laden and carried out by his followers, resulted in the terrorist murders of over 200 people, including 12 innocent American citizens. Over 5,000 other harmless civilians were injured in the attacks. The United States is strong and unwavering in its commitment to the fight against international terrorism, and our motivation is high in bringing those responsible for these barbaric attacks to justice, especially Mr. Bin Laden. The Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program was recently revised by Congress (H.R. 4660) and signed by the President to increase the maximum amount of a reward offer from $2 million to $5 million. Overseas, people with information are urged to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or write to the following address: Heroes P.O. Box 96781 Washington, DC 20090-6781 USA Domestically, people should contact the FBI, write to the post office box address, or call the Bureau of Diplomatic Security on: 1-800-HEROES-1 In addition, people can provide information to the Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program staff through the following INTERNET address: heroes@heroes.net More detailed information on the Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program can be obtained through the following INTERNET address: www.heroes.net The Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program has been an effective tool in combating international terrorism. In the past few years, the U.S. Government has paid out over $5 million in approximately 20 cases worldwide for credible information received under the Rewards Program. The United States will ensure complete confidentiality to people who provide information on past or future acts of terrorism. If appropriate, the United States will relocate people and their families to the United States. Our determination to battle terrorism against U.S. interests worldwide is greater than ever. It is our intention to bring all of those individuals responsible for the bombings of our embassies, as well as other terrorist crimes against the United States, to justice. (End text)