U.S. Agrees With UN Report That Iran-based Egyptian Saif al-Adel Is Now The Leader Of al Qaeda

 

France 24: Iran-based Egyptian Saif al-Adel is new al Qaeda chief, says US 

Saif al-Adel, an Iran-based Egyptian, has become the head of Al-Qaeda following the July 2022 death of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the US State Department said Wednesday. 

"Our assessment aligns with that of the UN – that al-Qaeda's new de facto leader Saif al-Adel is based in Iran," a state department spokesperson said. 

The United Nations report released Tuesday said that the predominant view of member states is that Adel is now the group's leader, "representing continuity for now." 

But the group has not formally declared him "emir" because of sensitivity to the concerns of the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, who haven't wanted to acknowledge that Zawahiri was killed by a US rocket in a home in Kabul last year, according to the UN report.  

Read more .... 

More News On Al Qaeda Leader Saif al-Adel  

US says Iran-based Saif al-Adel is new al Qaeda chief -- Al-Monitor  

US says Iran-based former Egyptian special forces officer is new Al-Qaeda chief -- Times of Israel  

US Backs UN Assessment that New Al-Qaida Leader is in Iran -- VOA  

Extremist thought to be in Iran is de facto new leader of al-Qaida, UN says -- The Guardian  

Saif al Adel becomes new leader of Al-Qaeda, United Nations reports -- Jerusalem Post  

Al Qaeda's new leader Adel has $10 million bounty on his head -- Reuters

The Taliban Are Giving Al Qaeda A Safe Haven

Business Insider: The Taliban's control of Afghanistan is guaranteeing Al Qaeda's 'continued personal survival', experts say 

* Al Qaeda is "delighted" at the Taliban's control of Afghanistan, an expert has claimed. 

* Professor Michael Semple said the Taliban was guaranteeing Al Qaeda's "continued personal survival". 

* His analysis is supported by a UN report, suggesting the relationship "remains close". 

The Taliban's control of Afghanistan is guaranteeing the "continued personal survival" of Al Qaeda, an expert has claimed, with a United Nations report supporting the claims. 

A report from a UN monitoring team published Thursday says the relationship between the two groups "remains close", with Al Qaeda described as being "pleased with" the Taliban's takeover. 

The UN says Al Qaeda is using the takeover to increase their numbers and funding, as well as to "inspire Al Qaeda affiliates globally."  

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WNU Editor: The UN report estimates approximately "180 to 400 fighters affiliated with Al Qaeda" from "Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan" in Afghanistan .... Relationship between Taliban, Al Qaeda remains close: UNSC report (Business Standard).

Pentagon Confirms It Killed Al Qaeda Leader Salim Abu-Ahmad In A Drone Strike In Syria On September 20

The aftermath of a drone strike near Idlib, Syria on September 20, 2021. The strike killed al-Qaeda leader Salim Abu-Ahmad, according to military officials. Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP  

Daily Mail: US kills Al Qaeda leader Salim Abu-Ahmad in drone strike in Syria 

* Pentagon on Thursday confirmed it killed Salim Abu-Ahmad on September 20 

* Drone strike destroyed a vehicle on a rural road in the northwest Idlib province

* DoD says Abu-Ahmad planned and funded 'trans-regional al-Qaeda attacks' 

* It comes after another disastrous strike killed 10 innocent people in Kabul 

The Pentagon has confirmed that senior Al Qaeda leader Salim Abu-Ahmad was killed in a US drone strike in Syria, claiming no civilians were harmed after a bungled strike in Afghanistan killed 10 innocent people, including seven children. 

The strike on Abu-Ahmad was carried out on September 20 in the Idlib province of Syria, where a vehicle traveling on a rural road in rebel-controlled territory was struck, but the identity of the target was not confirmed until Thursday. 

US Central Command did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com regarding what aviation asset was used in the strike.  

Read more .... 

More News On The Pentagon Confirming It Killed Al Qaeda Leader Salim Abu-Ahmad In A Drone Strike In Syria 

CENTCOM IDs ‘senior al-Qaida leader’ killed in airstrike in Syria -- AP  

US kills senior al-Qaeda leader in Syria drone strike -- NYPost  

Drone Strike Kills Senior Al Qaeda Leader in Syria, Pentagon Says -- Newsweek  

Senior al Qaeda leader killed in drone strike in Syria, US defense officials say -- FOX News 

Pentagon claims drone strike killed Al-Qaeda terrorist in Syria’s Idlib, emphasizes ‘no indications of civilian casualties’ -- RT

Top U.S. Intelligence Officials Admit Al Qaeda Could Threaten The US From Afghanistan In 1 To 2 Years

Bloomberg: Al-Qaeda Could Strike U.S. From Afghan Base Next Year, Spies Say 

(Bloomberg) -- Al-Qaeda may be able to reconstitute itself in Afghanistan and be capable of orchestrating attacks inside the U.S. in one to two years, two senior U.S. intelligence officials said. 

“The current assessment probably, conservatively, is one to two years for al-Qaeda to build some capability to at least threaten the homeland,” Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said at an intelligence conference on Tuesday. 

“We’re thinking about ways to gain access back into Afghanistan with all kinds of sources and accesses,” Berrier said. 

“We are prioritizing that effort. We’ll continue to prioritize it. But we have to be careful to balance these very scarce resources.” 

Read more .... 

 WNU Editor: A prediction. As the months pass by and developments like the rise of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan (as predicted by these intel officials) come true. The decision by the Biden administration to leave Afghanistan in the way that they did will be viewed by future historians as one of the worst strategic decisions ever made by a U.S. President. 

More News On Top U.S. Intelligence Officials Admitting Al Qaeda Could Threaten The US From Afghanistan In 1 To 2 Years  

Al Qaeda could regain ability to threaten U.S. in as little as a year, intel chiefs say -- CBS  

Al Qaeda Could Rebuild in Afghanistan in 1-2 Years, U.S. Officials Say -- New York Times  

U.S. Spies See Signs of al Qaeda Fighters Returning to Afghanistan -- WSJ  

Top Intelligence officials say al Qaeda could rebuild in Afghanistan in one to two years -- FOX News  

Al Qaeda rebuilding for U.S. attacks in one to two years: CIA, DIA -- Washington Times  

Al Qaeda could threaten US in 1 to 2 years, officials admit -- NYPost

Al Qaeda Praises Taliban’s ‘Historic Victory’ In Afghanistan

Current Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri accepted the Taliban's top leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who holds the title of Amir ul-Muminun, as a supreme authority. In this 1998 picture, Zawahiri is with Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan. (Mazhar Ali Khan / AP Archive)  

Long War Journal: Al Qaeda praises Taliban’s ‘historic victory’ in Afghanistan 

Al Qaeda’s senior leadership has released a two-page statement congratulating the Islamic ummah on the occasion of the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan. 

The brief message was distributed online by As Sahab, al Qaeda’s central media arm, in Arabic and English just hours after the last American soldier left Kabul. 

Al Qaeda’s leaders praise Allah for the victory, saying it “soothed” their hearts to hear verses from the Quran recited in the “Presidential Palace in Kabul, after it had been cleansed from the filth of the Americans.”  

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WNU Editor: We shall see .... Why the Taliban will allow Al Qaeda to stay in Afghanistan (Murat Sofuoglu, TRT World).

Top Taliban Fundraiser With Deep Links To Al Qaeda And With A $5 Million U.S. Bounty On His Head Makes A Public Appearance In The Heart Of Kabul

Haqqani is part of the Haqqani network which has played a major role in the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan  

Daily Mail: One of America's most-wanted terrorists on the streets of Kabul: Taliban fundraiser Khalil Haqqani - who has a $5m bounty on his head for his links to Al Qaeda - greets adoring crowds in Kabul 

* Haqqani led prayers and vowed to give 'security to men and women' in Kabul 

* He is wanted by the US and UN for fundraising for the Taliban and Al Qaeda 

* He was cheered in Kabul today and is said to be offering security for new regime Khalil Haqqani, one of America's most wanted terrorists, has led prayers for Taliban fighters in Kabul where he was greeted by adoring fans. The Taliban fundraiser, who also has links to Al Qaeda, has a $5million bounty on his head but was cheered on the streets of Kabul before he led prayers at the city's biggest mosque. Haqqani is now an integral part of the Taliban's moves to set up a government and he had armed escorts as he entered the religious building. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The group that Khalil Haqqani is a part of is now responsible for the security of Kabul .... Hardline Haqqani Network Put in Charge of Kabul Security (VOA). 

For 20 years the Haqqani network's safe haven was in the tribal territories of Pakistan. No more now. Their new safe haven is now the entire country of Afghanistan.  

Update: They are not only "not gone", but they are now embolden with this victory over the U.S. and its Afghan allies .... No, Mr President. Al-Qaeda Is Not ‘Gone’ From Afghanistan (Thomas Joscelyn, Tom Dispatch).

Al Qaeda Vows To 'Wage War On All Fronts' Against The US

New York City. September 11, 2001  

Daily Mail: Al Qaeda vows to 'wage war on all fronts' against the US ahead of 10-year anniversary of Osama Bin Laden's death 

* Al Qaeda has been in retreat since Osama Bin Laden's assassination in May, 2011 

 * Operatives claim the group is preparing to make a comeback and strike the US 

* Joe Biden has pledged to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September Al Qaeda has vowed to 'wage war on all fronts' against the US unless they retreat from the entire Islamic world. 

Speaking ahead of the tenth anniversary since Osama Bin Laden's death, two operatives said the terrorist network is planning a comeback as President Joe Biden prepares to withdraw all US forces from Afghanistan by September 11.

The Islamist group, now headed by the Egyptian jihadist Ayman al-Zawahiri, has been seen as a diminishing force by the West since Bin Laden's assassination by US special forces on May 1, 2011, with the focus since turning to ISIS.  

Read more ....  

Update: Al Qaeda promises 'war on all fronts' against America as Biden pulls out of Afghanistan (CNN)  

WNU Editor: I have been hearing this same narrative for years .... Al-Qaeda 'shadow of former self' decade after Bin Laden death (France 24).

ISIS And Al-Qaeda’s Affiliates Are Spreading Throughout The Sub-Sahara

Defense One: ISIS and Al-Qaeda’s Sub-Saharan Affiliates Are Poised for Growth in 2021 

A rundown on jihadi groups’ expansion in the Sahel and Nigeria, the Horn of Africa, and the continent’s southeastern Swahili coast. 

Once considered a backwater for jihadists, sub-Saharan Africa is now at the forefront of the counterterrorism landscape. With core ISIS and al-Qaeda reeling from sustained Western counterterrorism campaigns, attention has shifted from former jihadist bases in the Middle East and south Asia, respectively, to the Sahel and Nigeria, the Horn of Africa, and, most recently, the continent’s southeastern Swahili coast. ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates throughout sub-Saharan Africa are well-positioned to expand their influence, garner new recruits, spread propaganda, and in some cases, capture territory. 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Mozambique is the big worry right now .... Hungry, angry and fleeing the horrors of war in northern Mozambique (BBC).

Al Qaeda Now Has A New Leader Called 'The Sword Of Revenge'

Saif has been heavily involved in Al Qaeda activities for some 30 years, and already has a £7.5 million US bounty on his head, after the US embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998, which left 224 dead 

Daily Mail: Al Qaeda has a new leader called 'the Sword of Revenge': Egyptian former general who is now in hiding in Iran is 'set to make terror group as dangerous as they were under Osama Bin Laden' 

 * Saif al-Adel has been described by sources as a 'brilliant and ruthless strategist' 

 * He has taken the reins following the suspected death of leader Ayman Zawahiri 

 * Saif has been heavily involved in Al Qaeda activities for some three decades 

 * He already has a £7.5m bounty on his head after US embassy bombings in 1998 

Al Qaeda has a new leader, called 'the Sword of Revenge' who is reportedly set to make the terror group as dangerous as they were under Osama Bin Laden. 

Egyptian former general Saif al-Adel is in hiding in Iran and the 'brilliant and ruthless strategist' has now taken the reins from Ayman Zawahiri, according to reports. 

The former leader was rumoured to be dead late last year, following speculation he had succumbed to asthma following 'breathing issues'. 

Read more .... 

 More News On Reports That Saif al-Adel Is Now The Leader Of Al Qaeda 

Rise of ISIS and Al-Qaeda terrifying alliance under new leader dubbed Sword of Revenge -- Daily Express 

New Al-Qaeda boss known as Sword of Revenge is 'worse than Osama bin Laden' -- Mirror Online 

Who is Saif al-Adel; Al-Qaeda's soon-to-be third Emir -- IBTimes

UN Report Says The Top Leadership Of Al Qaeda Is Still Under Taliban Protection

NBC: Taliban keep close ties with Al Qaeda despite promise to U.S. 

"We believe that the top leadership of Al Qaeda is still under Taliban protection," said the head of the U.N. panel that tracks terrorist groups in Afghanistan. 

WASHINGTON — The Afghan Taliban have kept up a close relationship with Al Qaeda despite having pledged to stop cooperating with terrorist groups, permitting the militants to conduct training in Afghanistan and deploy fighters alongside its forces, according to the head of a U.N. panel monitoring the insurgency. 

The Taliban's association with Al Qaeda has continued even though the insurgency signed an agreement with the U.S. a year ago that bans cooperation with or hosting of terrorist groups — and despite a public statement by Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the Taliban had "made the break" with terrorist groups. 

Read more .... 

Update: Taliban Keeps Close Ties with Al-Qaeda: Report (TOLO News) 

WNU Editor: The US is saying the same thing that the UN report is saying .... Al-Qaeda 'Gaining Strength' in Afghanistan: US Treasury (TOLO News). 

In the meantime the Taliban are saying there are no Al qaeda fighters in Afghanistan .... Taliban falsely claims: ‘There are no Al Qaeda operatives present in Afghanistan’ (Long War Journal).

US Secretary Of State Pompeo Accuses Iran Of Being A Major Al-Qaeda State Sponsor

Let’s talk Iran. The men in these photos threaten America and Israel nearly every day. pic.twitter.com/CROlrItsHk

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 12, 2021

The Guardian: Mike Pompeo claims without evidence that Iran is al-Qaida's new 'home base' 

Move seems designed to restrict Biden administration’s options as secretary of state confirms killing of al-Qaida leader in August 

The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has claimed, without providing evidence, that al-Qaida leaders have established a new “home base” in the Iran, in what appeared to be his latest effort to raise the political cost of the next administration reviving the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. 

Speaking with just eight days left in office, Pompeo alleged that Iran was “the new Afghanistan”, telling a news conference in Washington: “Unlike in Afghanistan, when al-Qaida was hiding in the mountains, al-Qaida today is operating under the hard shell of the Iranian regime’s protection.” 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: There are some disagreements on what is the connection between Iran and Al qaeda .... Analysis: Iran's unlikely al Qaeda ties: fluid, murky and deteriorating (Reuters). But we do know that there are Al Qaeda leaders in Iran .... Al Qaeda's Abu Muhammad al-Masri Secretly Killed in Iran (New York Times). As for Iran. They are denying these U.S. claims .... Iran Denies 'Preposterous' U.S. Accusations of Al-Qaeda Links in Trump's Last Week (Newsweek). 

 More News On The U.S. Accusing Iran Of Being A Major Al-Qaeda State Sponsor 

Pompeo says Al Qaeda has set up 'home base' in Iran, are 'partners in terrorism' -- FOX News 

Pompeo: Al-Qaeda has new home base in Iran, threatening region, Abraham Accords -- Times of Israel Pompeo confirms No. 2 al-Qaeda leader killed in Iran, asserts Tehran giving 'home base' to terror group -- USA Today 

Pompeo Accuses Iran Of Being Major Al-Qaeda State Sponsor -- Zero Hedge

Reports Are Saying That Al-Qaeda Leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri Died A Month Ago In Afghanistan From Natural Causes

 

Daily Mail: Is al-Qaeda's leader dead? Report claims terror chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has died in Afghanistan from 'asthma-related breathing issues' 

 * Security sources in Pakistan and Afghanistan claimed Ayman al-Zawahiri is dead 

 * Known to be in poor health, he was last heard from in a 9/11 anniversary message 

 * Zawahiri replaced Osama bin Laden in 2011 but the group's influence has waned 

 Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has died of natural causes, Pakistani media claimed today, following persistent rumours of the terrorist leader's demise. 

Security sources in Pakistan and Afghanistan told Arab News that Zawahiri was dead, possibly succumbing to asthma following 'breathing issues'. Last heard from in a message on the anniversary of 9/11, Zawahiri's health and longevity have long been 

Read more .... 

Update #1: Al-Qaeda leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri 'died one month ago', reports claim (New Arab) 

Update #2: Questions over Al-Qaeda future after leaders’ reported deaths (Hindustan Times/AFP). 

WNU Editor: This is not the first time that reports of his death have been made. But if he is dead, we will know soon enough.

Al-Qaeda's Number Two Was Secretly Killed By Israeli Agents In Iran Three Months Ago

Daily Mail: Al Qaeda's No. 2 Abu Muhammad al-Masri is shot dead by Israeli agents on Iranian street at behest of US on anniversary of attacks on American embassies which killed 224 people that he masterminded 

 * Al Qaeda's second in command Abu Muhammad al-Masri was secretly shot dead in Tehran on August 7 

 * He and his daughter were assassinated by Israeli agents who were working on the behest of U.S. officials, according to reports 

 * His death came exactly 22 years after he masterminded bombings on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania killing 224 people 

 * He also allegedly ordered an attack in Mombasa, Kenya, in 2002 that killed 13 Kenyans and three Israeli tourists 

 * No country has yet taken responsibility for his death and Al Qaeda has not announced his killing 

 * Iran officials tried to cover up his death using an alias 

Al Qaeda's second in command was allegedly shot dead alongside his daughter in Iran in August, 22 years to the day after he masterminded devastating attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224 people and injured thousands more. 

Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, who went by the name Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was gunned down in Tehran in August 7 by Israeli agents who were working on the behest of U.S. officials, according to the New York Times. 

Read more .... 

 More News On The Death Of Al-Qaeda's Number Two By Israeli Agents In Iran Three Months Ago

Al Qaeda's Abu Muhammad al-Masri Secretly Killed in Iran -- NYTimes 

Al-Qaeda's number two secretly killed in Iran: NYT -- AFP 

Israeli operatives killed al Qaeda’s No. 2 leader in Iran in August: New York Times -- Reuters 

Israeli agents in Iran kill al-Qaida's top lieutenant – report -- The Guardian 

Israeli agents killed Al Qaeda's No. 2 official on street in Iran: report -- The Hill 

Israeli agents killed al-Qaeda’s No. 2 in Iran in August: Report -- Al Jazeera 

Israel reportedly killed Al Qaeda lieutenant Abu Muhammad al-Masri in Iran in August -- ABC News (Australia) 

Israeli spies allegedly killed al-Qaeda second-in-command in Iran 3 months ago… & all countries involved have kept mum until NOW? -- RT

Al Qaeda's Second In Command Abu Muhsin al-Masri Killed In Afghan Special Forces Raid

 

Daily Mail/Reuters: Afghan security forces kill al Qaeda's second in command Abu Muhsin al-Masri, two years after the US listed him as one of the world's most wanted terrorists 

 * Abu Muhsin al-Masri was killed in a raid in Afghanistan's Ghazni province 

 * Al-Masri was the second in command of al Qaeda, it is believed 

 * His death was confirmed by U.S. counter-terrorism forces in a tweet Saturday 

Afghan security forces have killed Abu Muhsin al-Masri, a senior al Qaeda leader who was on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list, Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS) said in a tweet late on Saturday.  

The head of the U.S. National Counter-Terrorism Center, Chris Miller, confirmed al-Masri's death in a statement, saying his 'removal... from the battlefield is a major setback to a terrorist organization that is consistently experiencing strategic losses facilitated by the United States and its partners.' 

 Al Qaeda's loss of al-Masri, Miller continued, 'highlights the diminishing effectiveness of the terrorist organization.' 

Read more .... 

 More News On Al Qaeda's Second In Command Abu Muhsin al-Masri Killed In An Afghan Special Forces Raid 

Afghanistan claims killing an al-Qaida leader wanted by FBI -- AP 

Abu Muhsin al-Masri: Afghan forces kill al-Qaida's 'second-in-command' -- DW 

Senior al-Qaeda leader Abu Muhsin al-Masri killed in Afghanistan -- Al Jazeera 

Al Qaeda leader on FBI's most-wanted list killed, Afghanistan says -- The Hill 

Afghan forces claim senior al Qaeda lieutenant killed in Ghazni -- Long War Journal 

Afghan Special Forces Kill Al-Qaeda #2 Commander In Raid -- SOFREP

France’s Desert Operation Against Al-Qaeda Chief

French soldiers deployed to Operation Barkhane in the Sahel. Image: État-Major des Armées

The Defense Post: ‘Capture Not Possible:’ France’s Desert Operation Against Al-Qaeda Chief

In a desert wilderness in Mali, close to the Algerian border, pitted with isolated rocks and weighed by oppressive heat, French special forces and combat helicopters begin an operation.

At its climax, they claim one of the greatest successes of France’s deployment in the Sahel region of north Africa — the killing of the head of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) Abdelmalek Droukdel.

The French military, for the first time, provided details on Thursday of how late last week it “neutralized” the man it has called “the third deputy” of Al-Qaeda’s leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Officials describe the death of the Algerian Droukdel as the fruit of meticulous intelligence work. This was concluded by a military intervention in broad daylight, about ten kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Algerian border, east of the Malian town of Tessalit.

Read more ....

WNU Editor:The French rarely give details on how they conduct their anti-terrorism operations.

Al Qaeda Leader Abdelmalek Droukdel In Islamic Maghreb Killed By French Military

Daily Mail: African Al-Qaeda chief Abdelmalek Droukdel is killed by French in Mali following a seven-year manhunt

* France says Abdelmalek Droukdel and members of inner circle have been killed
* Defence Minister Florence Parly said he was killed in a military operation in Mali
* The operation involved 'helicopters and ground troops' in north-west Mali
* Thousands of French troops have been sent to Mali since 2013 to tackle jihadists

The leader of terrorist group Al-Qaeda's north Africa affiliate has been killed in a French military operation following a seven-year hunt, the country's defence minister announced last night

Florence Parly has announced that Abdelmalek Droukdel and members of his inner circle were killed on Wednesday during the operation in the African country of Mali, where thousands of French troops have been deployed to tackle jihadist groups in the area.

The operation to kill Droukdel reportedly involved helicopters and ground troops, who 'neutralised' a small group of men before formally identifying the leader's body, and took place near the north-western Mali town of Tessalitm.

Read more ....

More News On Al Qaeda Leader Abdelmalek Droukdel In Islamic Maghreb Killed By French Military

French forces kill al Qaeda's North Africa chief in Mali, defence minister says -- France 24
France says its army killed al Qaeda North Africa chief Droukdel -- Reuters
French forces kill al-Qaida’s North African commander -- Military Times/AP
Al-Qaeda chief in north Africa Abdelmalek Droukdel killed - France -- BBC
France kills al-Qaida head of North Africa -- DW
US, France Confirm Death of Key al-Qaida Emir in Africa -- VOA
Al Qaeda leader in Islamic Maghreb killed by French military -- FOX News
Al-Qaeda North Africa chief killed: What next for the region? -- France 24

Al Qaeda Leader Calls For New /Terror Attacks Against The U.S.

1) #alQaeda releases video speech of leader Ayman al-Zawahiri commemorating #911 attacks, titled, “And They Shall Continue to Fight You.” Zawahiri uses #Israel as a launchpad to call for attacks on US, French, British, & other Western interests & alliances https://t.co/2ukRGXZDU4 pic.twitter.com/7jztFV8w8e

— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) September 11, 2019

CBS: On 9/11, al Qaeda leader calls for attacks on U.S. and slams jihad "backtrackers"

Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri called Wednesday on Muslims to attack U.S., European, Israeli and Russian targets in a speech on the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks online activity of jihadist groups, reported that in a video released by the militant group, the 68-year-old al-Zawahiri also criticizes "backtrackers" from jihad, referring to former jihadis who changed their views in prison and called the 9/11 attacks unacceptable because innocent civilians were harmed.

Read more ....

More News On Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri Calling For New Terror Attacks

Al-Qaida chief in 9/11 speech calls for attacks on West -- AP
Elusive Al Qaeda leader Zawahri marks 9/11 anniversary by calling for jihadists to attack US, Israel -- FOX News
Al Qaeda leader calls for new terror attacks against US, allies -- NYPost
Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri urges attacks on West in 9/11 speech -- New Arab

Al Qaeda Releases 'Blooper Reel' Of Islamic State Videos

The Telegraph: Al Qaeda releases 'blooper reel' of Islamic State videos amid jihadi spat

Al-Qaeda has released embarrassing outtakes from an Islamic State propaganda video of fighters in Yemen, in an attempt to undermine its bitter rival.

The blooper reel, released by Al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula’s Hidayah Media Productions, shows a kneeling militant trying to renew his pledge of allegiance to Isil leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi but repeatedly being interrupted by a squawking bird in the tree above.

The jihadi, identified as Abu Muhammad al-Adeni, appears to be distracted by the chirping, causing him to forget his lines.

He takes out notes from his pocket, while another fighter can be heard telling him to “stay calm, keep cool”.

The media group does not reveal how it got hold of the unedited version of the video, but it could have been handed over by an Isil defector or taken from a captured base.

Read more ....

Update #1: ISIS jihadis chuckle as they fluff their lines of Islamist hate in a bizarre blooper reel leaked by their Al-Qaeda rivals in Yemen to undermine them (Daily Mail)
Update #2: Pro-al-Qaeda bloopers video mocks IS media (BBC)
Update #3: Islamic State militant's pledge of allegiance interrupted by bird (SKY News)

WNU Editor: No love lost between these two extremist groups.

U.S. Offers A Reward For Information On 2 Senior AQAP Leaders

Long War Journal: US offers reward for information on 2 senior AQAP leaders

The State Department announced today that it is offering rewards of $5 and $10 million for information concerning two Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) leaders. Both jihadists attended al Qaeda training camps in pre-9/11 Afghanistan before relocating to Yemen, where they eventually assumed leadership positions. They are openly loyal to al Qaeda’s overall emir, Ayman al Zawahiri.

Qasim al-Raymi (or al-Rimi) was named AQAP’s emir in June 2015 after his predecessor, Nasir al-Wuhayshi, was killed in an American drone strike. Raymi quickly reaffirmed his allegiance to the “beloved father,” Zawahiri, after assuming AQAP’s top spot.

Read more ....

Update: U.S. Puts $15 Million Bounty on Heads of al Qaeda Leaders (Washington Free Beacon)

WNU Editor: The problem with these rewards is that when you get rid of one .... there is always someone there to replace him.

Al Qaeda Is Very Much Alive

Al Qaeda’s emir, Ayman al Zawahiri, from a video released in Aug. 2018.

Thomas Joscelyn, Long War Journal: Al Qaeda is very much alive, and widely misunderstood

On Sept. 11, 2001, nineteen of Osama bin Laden’s operatives changed the course of world history. We are fortunate that al Qaeda hasn’t carried out another 9/11-style attack inside the U.S. in the seventeen years since. But that fact shouldn’t obscure the reality about al Qaeda and its global jihad. Al Qaeda remains a threat. Its operatives are fighting in more countries around the world today than was the case on 9/11. And its leaders still want to target the United States and its interest and allies. The war they started is far from over.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: And we should take their threats seriously .... Al-Qaeda calls for new terror attacks on US in video released on 9/11 anniversary (Mirror).

Update: Terror experts warn Al Qaeda 'may be stronger than ever' having amassed nearly 40,000 new troops as the US marks 17 years since the 9/11 attacks (Daily Mail).