Khalid Al Fawwaz was remanded in custody for a week, by Bow Street Magistrates Court in central London.

Scotland Yard said he was arrested at his north London home on Monday morning at the request of the US Government.

The 38-year-old's exact address has not been released.

The American authorities believe Mr Al Fawwaz has links with Osama bin Laden, the Saudi Arabian blamed for the US embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania last month.

Detective Constable John Bullimore of the extradition squad told the court he is believed to be the head of the Al Quade organisation in Britain.

He said his role in the organisation included the issuing of religious orders which call for a holy war against the US and the death of its citizens.

Police increased security measures around the building for the appearance which lasted less than five minutes.

Mr Al Fawwaz was remanded in custody until 5 October to appear at the top security Belmarsh Magistrates Court for further extradition proceedings.

Firearms offence

Seven Middle Eastern men were arrested last Wednesday following a lengthy surveillance operation, codenamed Operation Challenge.

It involved the Metropolitan Police's anti-terrorist branch, Special Branch and MI5.

On Sunday Scotland Yard said one of the seven had been released without charge while another had been charged with a firearms offence.

The 38-year-old, accused of possessing a prohibited firearm, was remanded in custody to appear before Horseferry Road magistrates court in central London on 12 October.

Five other men detained in last week's dawn raids at houses in north-west and west London are being held as suspected illegal immigrants.

The men were detained under section 14 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1989, which is concerned with the commission, instigation or preparation of offences.