CNN: Intel indicates al Qaeda leader has potentially serious 'heart complaint', official says
Recent intelligence indicates that al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has a "heart complaint," according to a senior official involved in international counterterrorism efforts.
The official said the information suggests Zawahiri had a potentially serious condition but cautioned it was difficult to ascertain the severity of his health problems and what effect they might have on his longevity.
The possibility that Zawahiri, who just turned 68, is seriously ill increases uncertainty over al Qaeda's long-term leadership succession plans. Osama bin Laden's son Hamza bin Laden had been widely tipped to one day take over command of al Qaeda but a US official told CNN on Wednesday that the US now believes that he is dead.
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Update: Leader of al Qaeda has potentially serious 'heart complaint': report (The Hill).
WNU Editor: Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri is 68 years old, and has lived a very stressful life. The fact that he may have a 'heart complaint" should not be a surprise. The question that needs to be answered is .... how and/or who told U.S. intel that Ayman al-Zawahiri has a health condition.
