Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Al Qaeda's Leader's Message To The Head Of al Qaeda In The Arabian Peninsula Spurred Embassy Closures (Update)

Photo: Intercepted: Ayman al-Zawahri, who was bin Laden's number two, ordered the head of al Qaeda in Yemen to launch the attack

Revealed: Bin Laden's Successor Ordered al Qaeda Leader In Yemen To Launch Strike In 'Biggest Threat Since 9/11' That Closed 19 U.S. Embassies Across Muslim World -- Daily Mail

* Head of al Qaeda in Pakistan Ayman al-Zawahri communicated with Nasser al-Wuhayshi, the head of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
* Senator Saxby Chambliss said the threat is 'very reminiscent of what we saw pre-9/11'
* Terrorists described imminent attack as 'big' and 'strategically significant'
* Embassies will be closed until August 10
* One official described threats as a 'concerted effort' to target U.S. embassies and consulates
* Homeland Security increased security at airports within U.S.
* Senator Lindsey Graham called threat 'scary', saying al Qaeda has been 'on steroids'
* Rep. Peter King said the threat is 'very specific'

The global terror alert that brought the closure of 19 U.S. embassies across the Muslim world was the result of a secret message the head of al Qaeda in Pakistan sent to his counterpart in Yemen ordering him to launch a strike, two security officials revealed today.

A U.S. intelligence official and a Mideast diplomat said electronic communications were picked up several weeks ago between Ayman al-Zawahri - the head of the global terror network who succeeded Osama bin Laden - and Nasser al-Wuhayshi, head of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Officials had previously called the communication 'strategically significant' and likened the intelligence 'chatter' to that intercepted in the days leading up to 9/11.

Read more ....

Update: Ayman al-Zawahri's message spurred embassy closures -- AP

My Comment: If these intel reports are true .... I suspect that Al Qaeda will be using a different communications route since this one has been compromised. It makes you also wonder if there is some truth to recent reports that the intel community is now worried that the Obama administration disclosed too much about this latest al Qaeda threat.

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