sentences:  Arale's capture was said to have occurred "in recent weeks".Arale was alleged to have helped courier weapons and explosives between al Qaeda elements in Pakistan and the horn of Africa.A Department of Defense spokesman said, "We believe him to be an extremely dangerous member of the al-Qaida network,"
  
  "Xinhua" reports that American officials claimed Arale had held a leadership position in the Somali Council of Islamic Courts.