Al-Qaeda’s uncertain succession

The killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri is unlikely to change the “far enemy” strategy of Al-Qaeda and its affiliates – attacking the U.S. and its Western allies, which it sees as the cause of all Middle East problems


Said al-Adel: Has given past 33 years of his life to Al-Qaeda.

Egyptian military and intelligence leader helped transform loose band of anti-Soviet militia into world’s most deadly terrorist organisation.

Wanted for 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224 people


DEAD
Osama bin Laden: Killed by U.S. in Pakistan, May 2, 2011


DEAD
Ayman al-Zawahiri: Killed by U.S., July 31, 2022


Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi: Leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Also known as Yazid Mubarak


Ahmed Umar: Leader of Somalia-based Al-Shabaab since 2014. 
Also known as Ahmad Diriye


Abd al-Rahman al-Maghrebi: Moroccan-born national served as Al-Qaeda’s general manager in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Heads media arm Al Sahab and coordinates activities with affiliates in West Africa, Caucasus and India.

Son-in-law of al-Zawahiri has $7 million U.S. bounty on his head
    

Sources: Brookings, Long War Journal, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images, FBI 
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