US drone kills top al Qaeda leader
- 12 years ago
A U.S. drone attack in Pakistan has killed this man-- Abu Yahya al-Libi (aBU YAH-ya al-LIBI) one of al Qaeda's top ranking officials.
Seen here in file footage, al-Libi was considered al Qaeda's second-ranking member.
Officials say he was among al Qaeda's most experienced and versatile figures and had the authority to issue fatwas, and make operational approvals.
Reaction from the White House was enthusiastic.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON JAY CARNEY SAYING:
"... we believe, al-Libi's death is a major blow to core al Qaeda. Removing the number two leader for the second time in less than a year and further damaging the group's moral and cohesion and bringing it closer to it's ultimate demise than ever before."
An increase in U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan have government officials there angered and are adding to tensions between Washington and Islamabad.
Julie Noce, Reuters
Seen here in file footage, al-Libi was considered al Qaeda's second-ranking member.
Officials say he was among al Qaeda's most experienced and versatile figures and had the authority to issue fatwas, and make operational approvals.
Reaction from the White House was enthusiastic.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON JAY CARNEY SAYING:
"... we believe, al-Libi's death is a major blow to core al Qaeda. Removing the number two leader for the second time in less than a year and further damaging the group's moral and cohesion and bringing it closer to it's ultimate demise than ever before."
An increase in U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan have government officials there angered and are adding to tensions between Washington and Islamabad.
Julie Noce, Reuters