Over a month after the death of Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda has appointed a new leader. According to a statement posted on several jihadist websites, Bin Laden’s deputy Ayman al Zawahiri has taken over the position.
"Hereby the General Command of the Qaida al-Jihad -- and after the end of the consultations -- we declare that Sheikh Dr. Abu Muhammad Ayman al-Zawahiri (May God bless him) will take over the responsibility of command of the group," the statement said.
Ayman al-Zawahri, an Egyptian born doctor, is a founding member of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), a militant group that fought to overthrown former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. His involvement with bin Laden began in the mid-80s in Afghanistan while fighting against Soviet troops. He is believed to have helped plan the 1998 attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Zawahiri later became bin Laden’s closest advisor and al Qaeda’s chief organizer. He is believed to be the “operational brains” behind the September 11 attacks.
A $25 million reward is being offered for information leading to Zawahiri’s capture.
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