Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri is an al-Qaeda recruiter and planner responsible for plotting various al-Qaeda attacks on the Arabian Peninsula, and is considered the mastermind of the USS Cole bombing in October 2000, which left seventeen American soldiers dead.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 3-4, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11;
Carol Rosenberg, “In a first, former CIA captive appeals Guantanamo trial to Supreme Court,” Miami Herald, March 18, 2017, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article139424468.html;
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 152, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. Nashiri was captured in November 2002 and transferred to Guantanamo in 2006 after four years in CIA custody.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 6, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. In September 2011, he was charged by a military commission on nine counts related to his involvement in planning al-Qaeda attacks.Carol Rosenberg, “Alleged al Qaida bomber emerges from CIA shadows, waves,” Miami Herald, November 9, 2011, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article1938976.html. His trial has repeatedly faced delays, primarily owing to claims by the defense related to the torture that he underwent while in CIA detention.Carol Rosenberg, “In a first, former CIA captive appeals Guantanamo trial to Supreme Court,” Miami Herald, March 18, 2017, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article139424468.html.
Nashiri was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 1, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. Little is known about his early life. According to the 9/11 Commission, he participated in the Afghan jihad against the Soviets in the 1980s.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 152, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. According to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF), he also waged violent jihad in Tajikistan from 1992 to 1993, when he met al-Qaeda operatives, including Hamza al-Ghamdi, bodyguard for Osama bin Laden. In 1993, Nashiri went to train at the Jihad-Wal Camp, an al-Qaeda training camp near Khowst, Afghanistan. The following year, Nashiri met bin Laden for the first time while staying at one of his guesthouses in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 2, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11.
Nashiri attempted to return to fight in Tajikistan in 1995, but was unable to enter the country and traveled to Afghanistan instead. While in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 1996, he saw bin Laden for the second time and heard him talk about his plans to fight the United States.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 2-3, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. He was encouraged to swear loyalty to bin Laden, but according to the 9/11 Commission, “found the notion distasteful and refused.” He then returned to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, where he reportedly first conceived of the idea to attack a ship.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 233, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. At some point he returned to Afghanistan, where he fought for the Taliban against the United Islamic Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan in 1997. He reportedly contracted malaria on the front lines and returned to Kandahar, where he recovered while staying in bin Laden’s guesthouse.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 2-3, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11.
Nashiri formally joined al-Qaeda in 1998, after he learned that his cousin, Jihad Harazi, was one of the suicide bombers in the August 1998 al-Qaeda attack on the U.S. embassy in Nairobi.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 3, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. According to the 9/11 Commission, earlier that year, he had helped one of the embassy bombing operatives obtain a Yemeni passport, and also led a plot to smuggle missiles into Yemen.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 233, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. Later that year, Nashiri met privately with bin Laden, who suggested the idea of attacking a warship off of the coast of Yemen. The JTF’s report that such an attack was bin Laden’s idea conflicts with the 9/11 Commission’s claim that it was Nashiri himself who conceived the idea. He traveled to Yemen a week later, but returned to Afghanistan in late 1998 or early 1999 after an associate of his was arrested by Yemeni officials. Nashiri returned to Yemen in the spring of 1999, tasked by bin Laden to purchase a boat and observe U.S. ships off of the coast. Nashiri returned to Afghanistan that fall and reported his findings to bin Laden.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 3, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11.
In February 2000, Nashiri reportedly attempted to lead an attack on USS ship The Sullivans, which failed because the explosives used on board were too heavy and capsized the craft. Bin Laden instructed him to attempt the operation a second time. In September 2000, Nashiri returned to Yemen, selecting two suicide operatives for the operation. Nashiri learned that bin Laden disapproved of his choices, but instructed the suicide operatives to carry out the attack anyway. Nashiri returned to Afghanistan to tell bin Laden that he could not replace the operatives, and the operatives carried out the attack on the next U.S. ship to enter the port of Aden––the USS Cole on October 12, 2000.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 3-4, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. According to the 9/11 Commission, the success of the attack brought Nashiri “instant status” within al-Qaeda, and he was later recognized as the head of al-Qaeda operations in the Arabian Peninsula.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 153, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf.
In 2001, as instructed by bin Laden, Nashiri began planning an attack on a ship in the Straight of Hormuz. Nashiri spent time in Pakistan recruiting operatives and researching boats for the operation. Following the 9/11 attacks, Nashiri returned to Afghanistan, where he met with 9/11 architect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) in Kandahar to discuss the Straight of Hormuz operation. In the following months, Nashiri traveled around Afghanistan and Pakistan, meeting with al-Qaeda associates and helping plan other attacks. In April 2002, Nashiri was denied entry into Saudi Arabia. Around this time, for an unspecified reason, the Straight of Hormuz operation was cancelled. That summer, Nashiri rented an apartment in Dubai, and began plotting an attack on Dubai’s Port Rashid.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 4-6, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. On October 6, the French oil tanker M/V Limburg was targeted in an al-Qaeda operation. Prosecutors later accused Nashiri of helping to plan this operation in a claim also made by the 9/11 Commission; however, the charges were discarded in 2014 due to lack of evidence.Charlie Savage, “Guantanamo Detainee Pleads Guilty in 2002 Attack in Tanker off Yemen,” New York Times, February 20, 2014, https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/us/guantanamo-detainee-ahmed-muhammed-haza-al-darbi.html; Carol Rosenberg, “New Guantanamo judge throws out Limburg charges in USS Cole case,” Miami Herald, August 11, 2014, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/article1979349.html; National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 153, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. Nonetheless, Nashiri was known to have celebrated the success of the attack with another al-Qaeda associate in October 2002.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 6, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11.
Nashiri was captured in November 2002, while living in the United Arab Emirates. As of November 21, he was in U.S. custody.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 6, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. After his capture, Nashiri was kept in several undisclosed CIA black sites in Eastern Europe, including in Poland, Romania, and Lithuania, where he was subjected to various torture techniques, including waterboarding.Peter Beaumont, “Bombshell report on CIA interrogations is leaked,” Guardian, August 22, 2009, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/22/cia-interrogation-report-leaked; Charlie Savage, “Accused Al-Qaeda Leader Is Arraigned in U.S.S. Cole Bombing,” New York Times, November 9, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/us/abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri-arraigned-in-uss-cole-bombing.html; Charlie Savage, “C.I.A. Torture Left Scars on Guantanamo Prisoner’s Psyche for Years,” New York Times, March 17, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/us/politics/guantanamo-bay-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri.html. Nashiri was transferred to Guantanamo Bay on September 4, 2006.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 6, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11. That December, the JTF concluded that Nashiri posed a high risk and was of high intelligence value.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abd al Rahim al Nashiri: JFT – GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed August 16, 2017, 2, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10015-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/documents/11.
In February 2009, the United States dropped its charges against Nashiri after an order from President Barack Obama to freeze the proceedings of all cases involving Guantanamo inmates pending their review.“U.S. drops Guantanamo charges per Obama order,” Reuters, February 5, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-guantanamo-dropped-idUSTRE5150IL20090206. On April 20, 2011, federal prosecutors reopened the case and levied eleven different charges against Nashiri related to his direction of the USS Cole attack and other al Qaeda plots, with the intent of seeking the death penalty.Carol Rosenberg, “Pentagon seeks death for accused USS Cole bomber,” Miami Herald, April 20, 2011, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article1938015.html. In July 2011, Nashiri’s lawyers moved to have the death penalty revoked as an option, claiming that in using torture on Nashiri, the United States forfeited the right to try, convict, and put him to death.Charley Keyes, “Guantanamo detainee lawyers ask that death penalty case be dropped,” CNN, July 19, 2011, http://edition.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/07/19/guantanamo.detainee/. In September, the Guantanamo war court that would try Nashiri issued nine of the prosecutors’ initial eleven charges against Nashiri for the trial.Carol Rosenberg, “Alleged al Qaida bomber emerges from CIA shadows, waves,” Miami Herald, November 9, 2011, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article1938976.html.
Nashiri made his first court appearance on November 9, 2011, for his arraignment.Carol Rosenberg, “Alleged al Qaida bomber emerges from CIA shadows, waves,” Miami Herald, November 9, 2011, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article1938976.html. The start of Nashiri’s trial has since been repeatedly delayed owing to efforts by the defense to argue against the legitimacy of the case and to acquire evidence about his torture while in CIA detention.Carol Rosenberg, “In a first, former CIA captive appeals Guantanamo trial to Supreme Court,” Miami Herald, March 18, 2017, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article139424468.html. In February 2013, the court heard testimony from Dr. Vincent Iacopino, an expert on torture, in light of the defense’s allegations that Nashiri suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from his CIA interrogations.Carol Rosenberg, “Judge orders mental health exam for waterboarded Guantánamo captive,” Miami Herald, February 4, 2013, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article1946950.html. In December 2014, Nashiri submitted a petition for habeas corpus, claiming that that the attempt to try him in a war court was unlawful given that Nashiri’s criminal actions did not take place in the context of a recognized war due to claims that at the time, the armed conflict between the United States and al-Qaeda had not yet officially begun.“Al-Nashiri v. Obama, 76 F. Supp. 3d 218,” District Court for the District of Columbia, December 29, 2014, https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?q=In+re+Al-Nashiri&hl=en&as_sdt=2006&case=17913061328848492746&scilh=0; Jonathan Hafetz, “The DC Circuit’s Latest Ruling in Al-Nashiri: Why the Military Commissions Cannot Escape the Taint of CIA Torture,” Just Secturity, September 9, 2016, https://www.justsecurity.org/32820/dc-circuits-latest-ruling-al-nashiri-military-commissions-escape-taint-cia-torture/.
In August 2016, a panel of judges from the United States Court of Appeals rejected the defense’s appeals to have Nashiri prosecuted in a civilian court instead of a military court, stating that the case had to run its course before Nashiri could appeal his conviction.Charlie Savage, “C.I.A. Torture Left Scars on Guantanamo Prisoner’s Psyche for Years,” New York Times, March 17, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/us/politics/guantanamo-bay-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri.html. In March 2017, newly declassified documents from the National Security Council revealed that Nashiri suffers from long-term psychological damage from torture.Charlie Savage, “C.I.A. Torture Left Scars on Guantanamo Prisoner’s Psyche for Years,” New York Times, March 17, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/17/us/politics/guantanamo-bay-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri.html.
In May 2018, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the Romanian government had violated the rights of Nashiri by hosting one of the CIA “black sites” where he was detained and reportedly tortured. The ECHR characterized his 2003-2005 detention in Romania as an “extremely harsh detention regime” where he suffered “inhumane treatment . . . which Romania had enabled by co-cooperating with the CIA.” The ruling held that Nashiri’s detention in Romania was in contravention of Article Three of the European Convention on Human Rights, “Prohibition of Torture,” and awarded Nashiri damages in the amount of €100,000 ($117,000).“Lithuania and Romania Complicit in CIA Torture – European Court,” BBC News, May 31, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44313905.
On April 16, 2019, the District of Columbia Circuit Court threw out more than two years’ worth of decisions issued by the military judge overseeing the U.S. government’s death penalty case against Nashiri. The decision stemmed from concern that the military judge on the case, Colonel Vance Spaeth, failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest. The situation was found “especially troubling” to Nashiri’s due process rights, and the court invalidated all of the judge’s decisions on the Nashiri case between November 2015 and February 2018.Carol Rosenberg, “Court Rejects 2 Years of Judge’s Decisions in Cole Tribunal,” New York Times, April 16, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/16/us/politics/cole-bombing-case-judge.html.
On May 18, 2021, the military judge presiding over the case agreed to consider information obtained during Nashiri’s torture by CIA interrogators to support an argument in pretrial proceedings at Guantánamo Bay. It was the first publicly known time that prosecutors had been allowed to use information gained from torture in the proceedings at Guantánamo Bay.Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Permits Information from C.I.A. Torture in Terror Case,” New York Times, June 3, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/03/us/politics/cia-torture-terror-guantanamo-bay.html.
Osama bin Laden was a Saudi citizen and co-founder and leader of al-Qaeda, notorious for orchestrating the September 11, 2001, attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Throughout his three-decade-long jihadist career, bin Laden oversaw the planning of numerous largescale terrorist attacks, established a network of al-Qaeda-linked businesses and operatives, and united terrorist groups from the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Between 1996 and 2001, he lived in Afghanistan under the protection of the ruling Taliban and its leader Mullah Mohammed Omar. Bin Laden was killed on May 2, 2011, in a shootout with U.S. Navy SEALS at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Bin Laden was succeeded as al-Qaeda's emir by Ayman al-Zawahiri.“TEXT: US GRAND JURY INDICTMENT AGAINST USAMA BIN LADEN,” United States District Court Southern District of New York, November 6, 1998, https://fas.org/irp/news/1998/11/98110602_nlt.html;
Peter Baker, Helene Cooper, Mark Mazzetti, “Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says,” New York Times, May 1, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/osama-bin-laden-is-killed.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0.
Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1957, Osama bin Laden was the 17th of 54 children fathered by Saudi billionaire Mohammed bin Laden. The elder bin Laden, an immigrant from Yemen, was the head of a successful construction firm—building many of the palaces and major roads in the kingdom as well as renovating Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque. Osama’s mother, Hamida al-Attas, came from a prominent Syrian Alawite family and was Mohammed bin Laden’s tenth wife. Osama’s parents divorced soon after he was born, and his father died in a plane crash when he was five years old. Nevertheless, Osama would later work for and inherit millions from his father’s business empire.Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 75, 84; Victory D. Comras, Flawed Diplomacy: The United Nations & the War on Terrorism, (Washington D.C.: Potomac Books, Inc., 2010), 36.
In high school bin Laden joined the Saudi branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and read the extremist texts of influential Brotherhood ideologue Sayyid Qutb. Bin Laden’s friend at the time, Jamal Khalifa, later said that Qutb “was the one who most affected [his and bin Laden’s] generation.”Alastair Finlan, The Test of Terrorism: Responding to Political Violence in the Twenty-First Century, (London: Routledge: 2015); Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 90-92. In his books, Qutb called for an Islamic “vanguard” to take up jihad against secular governments and eventually resurrect the caliphate. Qutb also re-popularized the Islamic concept of takfir, which permits the labeling of fellow Muslims as apostates, thus justifying their persecution and murder.Alastair Finlan, The Test of Terrorism: Responding to Political Violence in the Twenty-First Century, (London: Routledge: 2015).
In 1974, bin Laden—then a deeply pious 18-year-old—married his 14-year-old Syrian cousin. Bin Laden would go on to marry two more women and father at least 23 children.“The life and death of Osama bin Laden,” Washington Post, May 2, 2011, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/world/timeline-life-of-osama-bin-laden/. Between 1976 and 1979, bin Laden studied economics at the King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah. There, he formed a religious charity on campus, whose members “devoted a lot of time to interpreting the Quran and jihad,” according to bin Laden’s own account.Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 90. It was also at that university that bin Laden met Abdullah Azzam, a renowned Palestinian scholar and a professor at the school. Azzam, often referred to as the father of modern jihad, would serve as a spiritual mentor to bin Laden and eventually become a co-founder of al-Qaeda.Aryn Baker, “Who Killed Abdullah Azzam?” Time, June 18, 2009, http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1902809_1902810_1905173-1,00.html;
Asaf Maliach, “Abdullah Azzam, Al-Qaeda, and Hamas,” Institute for National Security Studies, October 2010, Volume 2, No. 2, http://www.inss.org.il/uploadimages/Import/(FILE)1298359986.pdf.
Bin Laden reportedly traveled to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border within two weeks of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 55, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf;
Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 109. Bin Laden acted as a visiting envoy, meeting various militant leaders and devising ways to raise funds for the mujahideen (“holy warriors”). In the early-mid 1980s, he traveled back and forth to Saudi Arabia, where he implored wealthy family members to financially support the Afghan jihad. Bin Laden also brought construction machinery and Arab recruits into Afghanistan, and provided the fighters with logistical and humanitarian aid.Kate Zernike and Michael T. Kaufman, “The Most Wanted Face of Terrorism,” New York Times, May 2, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/02osama-bin-laden-obituary.html; “Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html. Bin Laden’s former professor, Abdullah Azzam, arrived in Peshawar in late 1981, and the two men worked closely to recruit, train, and equip Arab fighters for the jihad.Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 111.
In September 1984, bin Laden and Azzam decided to create a formal role for Arabs and other foreign (including Western) fighters in Afghanistan. The pair soon established the Services Bureau (Makhtab al-Khadamat)—an office, printing center, funds repository, and hostel for foreign mujahideen. Bin Laden also began to offer plane tickets, residences, and living expenses for the men, and by 1986 was believed to be paying $25,000 per month to subsidize the fighters.Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 117-119.
In 1987, bin Laden met Ayman al-Zawahiri for the first time, in Pakistan.“Timeline of al-Zawahiri,” CNN, June 16, 2011, http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/16/timeline-of-al-zawahiri/. At the time, Zawahiri, an Egyptian doctor, was a key leader of Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ)—a jihadist group responsible for the 1981 assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.“Timeline of al-Zawahiri,” CNN, June 16, 2011, http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/16/timeline-of-al-zawahiri/.
Bin Laden and Zawahiri quickly developed a close working relationship, and co-founded al-Qaeda (“the base”) in August 1988 alongside several other Islamist operatives, including Azzam.“Egyptian Islamic Jihad,” Mapping Militant Organizations, last modified October 26, 2015, http://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/groups/view/401;
“A history of terror: Al-Qaeda 1988-2008,” Guardian (London), July 12, 2008, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/13/history.alqaida;
“Tareekhosama/50/Tareekh Osama 122-123,” Intelwire.com, February 24, 2009, http://intelfiles.egoplex.com/1988-08-11-al-qaeda-founding.pdf;
Arabina Acharya, Ten Years After 9/11: Rethinking the Jihadist Threat, (London and New York: Routledge, 2013) 36. The secretary at the meeting noted that “al-Qaeda is basically an organized Islamic faction, its goal is to lift the word of God, to make His religion victorious.”Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 152;
Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon, The Age of Sacred Terror, (New York: Random House, 2002), 103;
“Origins of Al Qaeda,” Global Issues on Terrorism, accessed May 1, 2017, https://sites.stedwards.edu/craigc-culf331111fa2014/group-middle-east-and-north-africa/origins-of-al-qaeda/.
Within a year, however, disagreements arose between bin Laden and Azzam on al-Qaeda’s trajectory. While Azzam envisioned bringing the fight to Israel after Afghanistan, bin Laden preferred to prioritize targeting of the United States and Arab regimes such as the Saudi government.Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon, The Age of Sacred Terror, (New York: Random House, 2002), 103;
“Origins of Al Qaeda,” Global Issues on Terrorism, accessed May 1, 2017, https://sites.stedwards.edu/craigc-culf331111fa2014/group-middle-east-and-north-africa/origins-of-al-qaeda/. The disagreement ended when Azzam was killed in Peshawar on November 24, 1989.Aryn Baker, “Who Killed Abdullah Azzam?,” Time, June 18, 2009, http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1902809_1902810_1905173-1,00.html. Zawahiri continued to direct EIJ until it finally merged with al-Qaeda in 2001.“Country Reports on Terrorism 2008,” U.S. Department of State, April 2009, 305, https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/122599.pdf.
After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in February 1989, bin Laden returned to Saudi Arabia emboldened by the perceived triumph of the mujahideen over the Soviets. While working at his father’s construction firm in Saudi Arabia, bin Laden was approached about moving his nascent al-Qaeda to Sudan by Hassan al-Turabi—the then-secretary general of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 57, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf;
“Timeline: Al Qaeda’s Global Context,” PBS Frontline, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/knew/etc/cron.html;
Lawrence Joffe, “Hassan al-Turabi obituary,” Guardian (London), March 11, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/11/hassan-al-turabi-obituary. Turabi proposed allowing bin Laden use Sudan as al-Qaeda’s base in exchange for the building of roads and support in the ongoing war against Christian separatists in Southern Sudan.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 57, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. Bin Laden would not relocate to Sudan until late 1991.“Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html.
In August 1990, as U.S. forces arrived in Saudi Arabia to prepare for the first Gulf War, bin Laden urged Saudi King Fahd to expel the Americans and instead allow the veterans of the Afghan war to defend the Arabian Peninsula. King Fahd declined bin Laden’s offer in favor of U.S. and allied forces.Andrew Wander, “A History of Terror: Al-Qaeda 1988-2008,” Guardian (London), July 12, 2008, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/13/history.alqaida. Enraged, bin Laden began to publicly rebuke the monarchy for its alliance with the United States, prompting Saudi Arabia to expel him in April 1991. Bin Laden fled to Afghanistan, and then accepted Sudanese leader Hassan al-Turabi’s offer—arriving in Sudan by 1992.“Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html. There, he established legitimate businesses and began to build out the al-Qaeda network.“Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html.
The first attack orchestrated by bin Laden and his associates occurred on December 19, 1992, when a bomb exploded in a hotel room in Aden, Yemen, killing two Australian tourists. Bin Laden had intended for the explosion to kill a unit of U.S. soldiers, but those troops had already left the premises.“Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html. Attacks perpetrated by al-Qaeda operatives and like-minded jihadist increased in the following years. On February 26, 1993, Ramzi Yousef—a Pakistani terrorist not directly linked to al-Qaeda—carried out the Word Trade Center bombing, killing six people and injuring over 1,000 others. While bin Laden praised Yousef’s bombing, he is not believed to have played a role in the attack.Robert Windrem, “Al-Qaida timeline: Plots and attacks,” MSNBC Research and NBC News, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/4677978/ns/world_news-hunt_for_al_qaida/t/al-qaida-timeline-plots-attacks/#.WN61y28rKpo.
In April 1994, the Saudi government revoked bin Laden’s citizenship and froze his assets. Undeterred, bin Laden continued to grow his operations, establishing training camps for foreign fighters in Yemen near the Saudi border, according to U.S. intelligence sources.“Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html;
“TEXT: US GRAND JURY INDICTMENT AGAINST USAMA BIN LADEN,” United States District Court, Southern District of New York, November 6, 1998, https://fas.org/irp/news/1998/11/98110602_nlt.html. Meanwhile, the United States and Saudi Arabia began to pressure Sudan to expel bin Laden, citing his danger to the international community. In May 1996, Turabi reportedly gave bin Laden the choice to stay in Sudan and keep his operations quiet, or to leave the country altogether. Bin Laden opted to relocate his growing jihadist movement, and moved to Afghanistan shortly thereafter.Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 252-253; “TEXT: US GRAND JURY INDICTMENT AGAINST USAMA BIN LADEN,” United States District Court, Southern District of New York, November 6, 1998, https://fas.org/irp/news/1998/11/98110602_nlt.html;
“Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html.
The Taliban controlled much of Afghanistan by the time bin Laden arrived. The group’s leader, Mullah Omar, allowed bin Laden to settle his family and operatives in the eastern city of Jalalabad. Bin Laden would later pledge allegiance to Mullah Omar in late August or early September 1998, forming a bond between the groups that persists to this day.Lawrence Wright, The Looming Tower, (New York: Random House, 2011), 254-255, 326.
Bin Laden issued his first fatwa soon after arriving in Afghanistan. The statement, titled “Declaration of War Against the Americans Who Occupy the Land of the Two Holy Mosques,” was published by London’s Al Quds al Arabi newspaper on August 23, 1996. In it, bin Laden called on Muslims to force the U.S. military out of the Arabian Peninsula; dethrone the Saudi government; punish the U.S. and its allies for their “Crusade” against Islam; and liberate Muslim holy sites.“Bin Laden’s Fatwa,” PBS Newshour, August 23, 1996, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/military-july-dec96-fatwa_1996/;
“Osama bin Laden v. the U.S.: Edits and Statements,” PBS Frontline, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/who/edicts.html;
“Timeline: Osama bin Laden, over the years,” CNN, May 2, 2011, http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/02/osama.timeline/. Soon after the fatwa’s publication, bin Laden was visited by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM)—the uncle of World Trade Center bomber Ramzi Yousef. KSM appealed to bin Laden for funds and material to carry out a largescale attack in the United States. Bin Laden agreed to front the funds and asked KSM to join al-Qaeda, though KSM politely declined, deciding to operate independently.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 147, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf.
Bin Laden would continue to issue fatwas and orchestrate largescale attacks against U.S. targets. In February 1998, he released his second fatwa—“Declaration of the World Islamic Front for Jihad against the Jews and the Crusaders”—in which he declared it a duty for Muslims to carry out jihad against Islam’s enemies and to expel Americans from the Gulf region.“Jihad Against Jews and Crusaders,” Federation of American Scientists, February 23, 1998, https://fas.org/irp/world/para/docs/980223-fatwa.htm. That August, al-Qaeda carried out its then-largest attack when operatives targeted the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The explosions in Nairobi killed 213 people—nearly all Kenyans and 12 Americans—and injured approximately 5,000 others. In Dar es Salaam, the bombs killed 11 people, none of them Americans.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 70, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. Three months later, in November 1998, bin Laden was indicted by a U.S. Federal Grand Jury in New York for engaging in a long-term conspiracy to attack U.S. facilities overseas and to kill American citizens.“TEXT: US GRAND JURY INDICTMENT AGAINST USAMA BIN LADEN,” United States District Court, Southern District of New York, November 6, 1998, https://fas.org/irp/news/1998/11/98110602_nlt.html;
Bill Mears, “Bin Laden charges formally dropped,” CNN, June 17, 2011, http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/17/bin.laden.charges/. At around the same time he was indicted in New York, bin Laden met with KSM in Pakistan and officially approved his plot to weaponize airplanes and crash them into buildings in the United States. The 9/11 plot had begun to take form.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 149; 167, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf.
In November 1999, bin Laden received four visitors—Mohamed Atta, Marwan al Shehhi, Ziad Jarrah, and Ramzi bin al-Shibh. The men were members of an al-Qaeda cell in Hamburg, Germany, and were eager to partake in a terrorist attack against the United States. After swearing fealty to bin Laden, the men were instructed to enroll in flight training schools in the West. Bin Laden selected Atta to lead the cell, and revealed to him al-Qaeda’s top targets in the United States: the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Capitol. Atta, Shehhi, and Jarrah would become hijacker-pilots in the 9/11 attacks, whereas Shibh would serve as a key facilitator in the attacks.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 166; 242, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. Shibh is currently held by the United States as an enemy combatant at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.“Ramzi Bin al Shibh: Guantanamo Docket,” New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10013-ramzi-bin-al-shibh.
On October 12, 2000, in al-Qaeda’s last largescale attack before 9/11, two al-Qaeda suicide bombers steered a small boat laden with 400 to 700 pounds of explosives into the port side of the USS Cole while it refueled in Aden, Yemen. The explosion killed 17 U.S. sailors.“USS Cole Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, October 6, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/world/meast/uss-cole-bombing-fast-facts/. The attack was masterminded by al-Qaeda operative Abd Rahim al-Nashiri upon instructions from bin Laden to target U.S. warships in Yemen’s southern port of Aden.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): [152], http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf.
On September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaeda operatives hijacked U.S. commercial airliners and flew them into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth hijacked airplane crashed in a field in rural Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 civilians were killed and thousands more injured.“Timeline: Al-Qaeda,” BBC News, September 4, 2006, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/3618762.stm. Within weeks, the U.S. launched military operations against al-Qaeda’s suspected safe havens in Afghanistan. That December, bin Laden is believed to have escaped U.S. bombing in Afghanistan’s Tora Bora Mountains and fled to Pakistan.Kate Zernike and Michael T. Kaufman, “The Most Wanted Face of Terrorism,” New York Times, May 2, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/02osama-bin-laden-obituary.html.
Bin Laden did not claim responsibility for the 9/11 attacks until October 2004, when he appeared in a video released by Al Jazeera.“Bin Laden: 'Your security is in your own hands,'” CNN, October 29, 2004, http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/10/29/bin.laden.transcript/. “We should destroy towers in America [because] we are a free people…and we want to regain the freedom of our nation,” bin Laden reasoned. The al-Qaeda leader further said that America might avoid another 9/11-style attack if it stopped compromising the “security” of Muslims, warning, “As you undermine our security we undermine yours.”“Bin Laden claims responsibility for 9/11,” CBC News, October 29, 2004, http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/bin-laden-claims-responsibility-for-9-11-1.513654;
“Bin Laden Claims Responsibility for 9/11,” Fox News, October 30, 2004, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2004/10/30/bin-laden-claims-responsibility-for-11.html.
Bin Laden is believed to have settled in a compound in Abbottabad during the 2000s, though there is little publically available information on his whereabouts during this time. In 2009, the U.S. government announced that the al-Qaeda leader was most likely living on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, but conceded that it had a “lack of intelligence” regarding his exact location.“Osama bin Laden Fast Facts,” CNN, May 2, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/30/world/osama-bin-laden-fast-facts/. Living as an elusive fugitive, bin Laden was still able to release videos threatening the West and claim responsibility for al-Qaeda-linked attacks. In January 2010, bin Laden claimed responsibility for the failed bombing of a civilian airliner over Detroit, Michigan, on December 25, 2009. Perpetrated by “underwear bomber” Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the attack had been planned by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.Scott Shane and Eric Lipton, “Passengers’ Quick Action Halted Attack,” New York Times, December 26, 2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/us/27plane.html.
In the early morning of May 2, 2011, a small team of U.S. Navy SEALS entered the Abbottabad compound where bin Laden was living and killed the 54-year-old al-Qaeda leader in a shootout. His body was transported to the U.S. aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson and given an Islamic burial at sea within 24 hours.“Osama Bin Laden: What happened to his body?,” BBC News, May 2, 2011, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-13261680. In a televised statement on the night of May 2, President Barack Obama referred to bin Laden as al-Qaeda’s “leader and symbol” and warned that bin Laden’s death did “not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al-Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.”Peter Baker, Helene Cooper, Mark Mazzetti, “Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says,” New York Times, May 1, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/osama-bin-laden-is-killed.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0;
“Osama bin Laden Fast Facts,” CNN, May 2, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/30/world/osama-bin-laden-fast-facts/.
Bin Laden’s burial at sea took place within 24 hours of his death with proper religious rites, in accordance with Islamic law. Some Islamic scholars have argued there was no reason to give bin Laden a burial at sea instead of turning the body over to family or even his supporters for a proper burial. Dubai’s grand mufti Mohammed al-Qubaisi said at the time a sea burial was inappropriate and Islamic law required digging a simple grave if nobody was available to take custody of the body. U.S. officials, however, said there was not enough time to negotiate with other countries to take custody of the body. They further said the burial at sea took place to avoid bin Laden’s grave becoming a shrine.“Osama Bin Laden: What happened to his body?,” BBC News, May 2, 2011, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-13261680.
Ayman al-Zawahiri, previously al-Qaeda’s second-in-command, was elevated to leader of the international terror group six weeks after bin Laden’s death. Zawahiri vowed to continue waging jihad against “crusader America and its servant Israel, and whoever supports them.”“Al-Qaeda’s remaining leaders,” BBC news, June 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11489337. Bin Laden’s son Hamza bin laden was a key al-Qaeda operative being groomed for a senior leadership role prior to his own death in a 2019 U.S. counterterrorism operation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.Dugald McConnell and Brian Todd, “Latest al Qaeda propaganda highlights bin Laden’s son,” CNN, May 15, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/15/middleeast/al-qaeda-bin-laden-son/index.html; Alex Horton, “Osama bin Laden’s son, once the probable heir to al-Qaeda leadership, killed in U.S. operation, Trump confirms,” Washington Post, September 14, 2019, https://beta.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/09/14/hamza-bin-laden-once-possible-heir-al-qaeda-was-killed-us-operation-trump-says/. Zawahiri reportedly died in November 2020 from asthma, but his death remains unconfirmed by al-Qaeda.Baker Atyani and Sayed Salahuddin, “Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri has died in Afghanistan — sources,” Arab News, November 20, 2020, https://www.arabnews.pk/node/1765746/world; Tim Stickings, “Al-Qaeda's leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has died, reports claim terror chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has died in Afghanistan from ‘asthma-related breathing issues,’” Daily Mail (London), November 20, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8970231/Al-Qaedas-leader-Ayman-al-Zawahiri-died-reports-claim.html.
President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13224 on September 23, 2001, listing “Usama bin Laden” as a Specially Designated National.“Executive Order 13224,” U.S. Department of State, September 23, 2001, https://www.state.gov/executive-order-13224/
The United Nations listed “Usama bin Laden” as a terrorist on October 15, 1999.“Resolution 1267 (1999),” U.N. Security Council, October 15, 1999, http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1267%281999%29.
Mustafa Kamel Mustafa (“Abu Hamza al-Masri” or “Abu Hamza”) is an Egyptian-British citizen and U.S.- and U.N.-sanctioned terrorist associated with al-Qaeda. He was convicted in the United States on multiple counts, including his role in a 1998 hostage-taking attack in Yemen, his support for terrorist operatives in Afghanistan, and for plotting to establish a U.S.-based al-Qaeda training camp. A longtime preacher at the Finsbury Park mosque in London, Abu Hamza was arrested in the United Kingdom in 2004 and extradited to the United States in 2012. He is currently serving two life sentences without parole at a maximum security prison in Colorado.“Mustafa Kamel Mustafa, A/k/a “Abu Hamza,” Convicted Of 11 Terrorism Charges In Manhattan Federal Court,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 19, 2014, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/mustafa-kamel-mustafa-aka-abu-hamza-convicted-11-terrorism-charges-manhattan-federal;
Nicky Woolf, “Abu Hamza Sentenced to Life in Prison on US Terrorism Conviction,” Guardian (London), January 9, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/09/abu-hamza-sentenced-life-impisonment-terrorism-conviction.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1958, Abu Hamza began to show an interest in religion in the early 1980s while living on a student visa in England. There, he studied civil engineering at Brighton Polytechnic College and worked at a nightclub in London. While in England, Abu Hamza met, and ultimately married, a British woman who reportedly encouraged him to become more religiously observant.“Abu Hamza Profile,” BBC News, January 9, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11701269.
In 1987, Abu Hamza traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he met with the spiritual leader of the Afghan Mujahideen movement, Abdullah Azzam.Duncan Gardham, “Nightclub Bouncer Who Became the Cleric of Hate,” Telegraph (London), February 8, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1509940/Nightclub-bouncer-who-became-the-cleric-of-hate.html. By his own account, the meeting with Azzam ultimately inspired Abu Hamza to leave England in 1991 and travel to Afghanistan, where he worked on a Saudi-funded project that built factories, schools, and mosques, and provided resources to refugees in the aftermath of the Soviet-Afghan War.Duncan Gardham, “Nightclub Bouncer Who Became the Cleric of Hate,” Telegraph (London), February 8, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1509940/Nightclub-bouncer-who-became-the-cleric-of-hate.html. While traveling to the region, Abu Hamza lost his eye and both of his hands, though the details of his injury are not consistent. At one point, Abu Hamza claimed to have sustained the injury while participating in a demining project in Jalalabad.“Controversial Cleric of UK Mosque,” CNN, April 1, 2003, http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/01/20/uk.hamzaprofile/. At his U.S. trial, however, Abu Hamza said that he was wounded while handling explosives with the Pakistani military in Lahore.“Abu Hamza Profile,” BBC News, January 9, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11701269.
Abu Hamza returned to England for medical treatment in 1993. Two years later, however, he left England again, this time to fight against the Serbs and Croats in Bosnia. Upon returning to London in 1995, Abu Hamza quickly became a “leading figure” in the British Islamist scene, making a name for himself by preaching and handing out leaflets urging violent jihad in the Middle East. It was during this time that Abu Hamza took up the nickname “Abu Hamza al-Masri” (“Egyptian father of the lion hunter”), and helped to organize an Islamist extremist group, the Saviours of Shariah (Islamic law).Duncan Gardham, “Nightclub Bouncer Who Became the Cleric of Hate,” Telegraph (London), February 8, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1509940/Nightclub-bouncer-who-became-the-cleric-of-hate.html. In 1997, Abu Hamza began preaching at the Finsbury Park mosque in London, where he started to amass a following. In interviews in the 1990s, Hamza declared his support for the murder of non-Muslim tourists visiting countries in the Middle East. According to Abu Hamza’s own account, MI5 first contacted him around this time, after terrorists—reportedly linked to Egyptian terrorist group al-Gamaa al-Islamiya—killed 68 tourists in Luxor, Egypt, in November 1997.“Abu Hamza Profile,” BBC News, January 9, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11701269;
“Designation of 10 Terrorist Financiers Fact Sheet,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 19, 2002, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/po3014.aspx;
“1997: Egyptian Militants Kill Tourists at Luxor,” BBC News, accessed April 21, 2017, http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/17/newsid_2519000/2519581.stm.
In subsequent years, Abu Hamza gained control over the Finsbury Park mosque, delivering almost all of the sermons. According to reports, Abu Hamza’s supporters would often bar entry to the mosque to outsiders and anyone whom Abu Hamza deemed a threat.“Abu Hamza Profile,” BBC News, January 9, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11701269. During this time, Abu Hamza associated remotely with Yemen-based extremist figures, even claiming to serve as the “legal officer” for the al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic Army of Aden terrorist group.“Designation of 10 Terrorist Financiers Fact Sheet,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 19, 2002, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/po3014.aspx. Abu Hamza was contacted by British police in 1999 for suspected ties to bomb plots in Yemen.“Abu Hamza Profile,” BBC News, January 9, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11701269.
In late December 1998, Abu Hamza participated remotely in a hostage-taking operation in Yemen that resulted in four deaths. Prior to the attack, Abu Hamza had provided the lead abductor with a satellite phone, using it to speak with the abductor both before and during the operation. On December 28, abductors stormed a caravan carrying 16 tourists, taking them hostage by force. During the attack, Abu Hamza agreed to act as an intermediary on behalf of the abductors, and continued to provide advice to the abductors over the phone.“Mustafa Kamel Mustafa, A/k/a “Abu Hamza,” Convicted Of 11 Terrorism Charges In Manhattan Federal Court,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 19, 2014, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/mustafa-kamel-mustafa-aka-abu-hamza-convicted-11-terrorism-charges-manhattan-federal. On December 29, during a rescue attempt by the Yemeni military, the abductors used the hostages as human shields, resulting in the deaths of four hostages and the injury of several others.“United States of America v. Mustafa Kamel Mustafa: Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 19, 2004, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nys/pressreleases/October12/ChargingDocs/Mustafa,%20Mustafa%20Indictment.pdf. The attack was claimed by the Islamic Army of Aden, which would also claim credit for the USS Cole bombing in 2000.“Designation of 10 Terrorist Financiers Fact Sheet,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 19, 2002, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/po3014.aspx.
Abu Hamza continued to preach at the Finsbury Park mosque, all the while supporting terrorist operations abroad. In 1999, Abu Hamza and several co-conspirators attempted to establish an al-Qaeda training camp in the United States, based in Bly, Oregon. In late November 1999, Abu Hamza dispatched several British-based al-Qaeda operatives to establish the camp. One of the operatives, Oussama Abdullah Kassir, brought with him a manual on the use of sarin nerve gas.“Mustafa Kamel Mustafa, A/k/a “Abu Hamza,” Convicted Of 11 Terrorism Charges In Manhattan Federal Court,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 19, 2014, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/mustafa-kamel-mustafa-aka-abu-hamza-convicted-11-terrorism-charges-manhattan-federal. As part of the conspiracy, U.S.-based al-Qaeda operatives began to stockpile weapons and ammunition, according to U.S. court documents.“United States of America v. Mustafa Kamel Mustafa: Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 19, 2004, 6, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nys/pressreleases/October12/ChargingDocs/Mustafa,%20Mustafa%20Indictment.pdf. Meanwhile, Abu Hamza also continued to work as a facilitator for foreign fighters. In November 2000, Abu Hamza began arranging safehouses and lodging in Pakistan for foreign fighters traveling to Afghanistan.“United States of America v. Mustafa Kamel Mustafa: Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 19, 2004, 11, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nys/pressreleases/October12/ChargingDocs/Mustafa,%20Mustafa%20Indictment.pdf.
The Islamic Army of Aden—which claimed credit for the 1998 hostage attack—was listed by the United Nations as an organization affiliated with al-Qaeda in October 2001, after the United States designated the group as a financier of terrorism. Months later, on April 19, 2002, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Abu Hamza as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in accordance with Executive Order 13224.“Designation of 10 Terrorist Financiers Fact Sheet,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 19, 2002, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/po3014.aspx. The U.N. Security Council added Abu Hamza to its list of individuals associated with al-Qaeda shortly thereafter.“Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, accessed April 7, 2017, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/un-sc-consolidated-list. In explaining the reason for listing Abu Hamza, the United Nations noted that he was responsible for “recruiting” and “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts” by the Islamic Army of Aden.“Ibrahim, Mostafa Kamel Mostafa,” Interpol, accessed April 13, 2017, https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/1419422. Despite the listing, Abu Hamza continued to preach openly in London for several years. In 2002, on the first anniversary of al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attacks, Abu Hamza co-organized a conference at the Finsbury Park mosque. During the conference, the speakers reportedly praised the 9/11 hijackers.“Abu Hamza Profile,” BBC News, January 9, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11701269. British authorities raided the mosque in January 2003 after discovering a terrorist plot, and seized weapons and hundreds of suspected forged or stolen identity documents and credit cards. Abu Hamza was not arrested despite the raid and temporary closure of the Finsbury Park mosque, as well as the arrest of several of its members. He continued to preach openly in London, often in the street directly facing the mosque.Duncan Gardham, “Nightclub Bouncer Who Became the Cleric of Hate,” Telegraph (London), February 8, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1509940/Nightclub-bouncer-who-became-the-cleric-of-hate.html;
John Steele, Sean O’Neill, Richard Alleyne, and Sue Clough, “Police Seize Weapons in Mosque Raid,” Telegraph (London), January 21, 2003, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1419533/Police-seize-weapons-in-mosque-raid.html.
Abu Hamza was arrested by British authorities in May 2004 after the United States requested his extradition to face charges. By that point, Abu Hamza had been stripped of his citizenship, according to U.K. Home Secretary David Blunkett.“Ibrahim, Mostafa Kamel Mostafa,” Interpol, accessed April 13, 2017, https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/1419422;
Duncan Gardham, “Nightclub Bouncer Who Became the Cleric of Hate,” Telegraph (London), February 8, 2006, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1509940/Nightclub-bouncer-who-became-the-cleric-of-hate.html. Despite the United States’ extradition request, Abu Hamza was first tried in the United Kingdom. In February 2006, he was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted on sixteen criminal counts, including six counts of soliciting to murder and three counts of intending to stir up racial hatred.“Ibrahim, Mostafa Kamel Mostafa,” Interpol, accessed April 13, 2017, https://www.interpol.int/en/notice/search/un/1419422. In October 2012, after an eight-year legal battle, Abu Hamza was extradited to the United States to face terrorism-related charges. He was convicted in May 2014 of 11 terrorism-related charges and sentenced in January 2015 to life in prison without parole.“Mustafa Kamel Mustafa, A/k/a “Abu Hamza,” Convicted Of 11 Terrorism Charges In Manhattan Federal Court,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 19, 2014, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/mustafa-kamel-mustafa-aka-abu-hamza-convicted-11-terrorism-charges-manhattan-federal;
Joseph Ax, “London cleric Abu Hamza sentenced to life in U.S. prison,” Reuters, January 9, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-security-imam-idUSKBN0KI0DA20150109.
In August 2020, Abu Hamza filed a lawsuit against the U.S. attorney general over the allegedly “cruel” conditions of his imprisonment. He claimed that the government has denied him family visits for the past eight years, and that he receives no natural light in his cell. Abu Hamza also alleged that the removal of his hooks “has left him having to tear open food packages with his rotting teeth.” He claimed that the conditions have caused him “stress and anxiety.”Zoe Tidman, “Abu Hamza Sues US Over ‘Cruel’ Prison Conditions As He Claims His Hooks Which Replace Forearms Have Been Removed,” Independent (London), August 30, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/abu-hamza-lawsuit-us-prison-conditions-hate-preacher-finsbury-park-mosque-a9696281.html; Dipesh Gadher, “Abu Hamza Sues US Over ‘Degrading’ Jail and his Rotting Teeth,” Times, August 29, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/abu-hamza-sues-us-over-degrading-jail-and-his-rotting-teeth-ptr5zjm00.
The U.S. Treasury Department designated “Abu Hamza al-Masri” as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in accordance with Executive Order 13224 on April 19, 2002.“Designation of 10 Terrorist Financiers Fact Sheet,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, April 19, 2002, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/po3014.aspx.
The U.N. Security Council listed “Abu Hamza al-Masri” as an individual associated with al-Qaeda on April 24, 2002.“Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, accessed April 7, 2017, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/un-sc-consolidated-list.
A.k.a. Abu Hamza al Masri. Propagandist: Former preacher at London’s Finsbury Park mosque whose rhetoric attracted numerous radicals. Convicted in the United States on multiple counts, including his role in a 1998 hostage-taking attack in Yemen, his support for terrorist operatives in Afghanistan, and for plotting to establish a U.S.-based al-Qaeda training camp. Serving two life sentences without parole.
Faisal listened to Abu Hamza’s lectures while living in London until the two became estranged. Abu Hamza had been scheduled to testify on Faisal’s behalf at the latter’s 2003 trial but was dismissed because of his own charges of extremism.
Pakistani citizen Ramzi Yousef is a convicted terrorist and the nephew of notorious 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohamed (KSM). Prior to his 1995 arrest by Pakistani authorities, Yousef planned or carried out several successful and attempted international terrorist attacks, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured more than 1,000 others.Robert Windrem, “Al-Qaida timeline: Plots and attacks,” MSNBC Research and NBC News, http://www.nbcnews.com/id/4677978/ns/world_news-hunt_for_al_qaida/t/al-qaida-timeline-plots-attacks/#.WN61y28rKpo. Yousef subsequently worked alongside KSM to plot the 1994 Philippine Airlines Flight 434 bombing, as well as the attempted 1995 “Bojinka plot”—in which the men sought to destroy 12 U.S. commercial airplanes within 48 hours.Phil Hirschkorn, “Top terrorist convictions upheld,” CNN, April 4, 2003, http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/04/04/terrorism.yousef/. In planning these attacks, Yousef relied on explosives training he had received at an al-Qaeda training camp on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in 1992.“1993 World Trade Center Bombing,” New York Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/1993-world-trade-center-bombing-gallery-1.2130538?pmSlide=1.2130526;
Henry Schuster, “The next big fear,” CNN, February 2, 20016, http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/02/schuster.column/index.html?iref=mpstoryview;
“United States of America vs. Ramzi Ahmed Yousef…,” Untied States Court of Appeals, April 4, 2003, 8, http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/terrorism/usyousef40403opn.pdf.
Following his February 1995 arrest in Islamabad by the FBI and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Yousef was extradited to the United States for legal proceedings and convicted on charges of murder and conspiracy to murder.“Plane terror suspects convicted on all counts,” CNN, September 5, 1996, http://www.cnn.com/US/9609/05/terror.plot/. Yousef is serving a life sentence plus 240 years at the federal maximum-security prison in Florence, Colorado.“Find an inmate [Ramzi Yousef],” Federal Bureau of Prisons, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. A judge on Yousef’s case, U.S. District Court Judge Kevin Thomas Duffy, has referred to Yousef as a “cold-blooded killer, completely devoid of conscience.”Richard A. Serrano, “After 15 years in solitary, convicted terrorists pleads for contact with others,” Los Angeles Times, February 16, 2013, http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/16/nation/la-na-yousef-solitary-20130217.
Yousef was born and raised by Pakistani parents in Fahaheel District, Kuwait, then home to a large number of Palestinians prior to Kuwait’s expulsion of that community during the first Gulf War. Yousef would later justify his terrorist attacks by citing support for the Palestinian cause, together with his hatred of Israel and its ally, the United States.Christopher S. Wren, “Charged as Terror Master, Surrounded by Mysteries,” New York Times, May 29, 1996, http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/29/nyregion/charged-as-terror-master-surrounded-by-mysteries.html;
Benjamin Weiser, “Mastermind Gets Life for Bombing of Trade Center,” New York Times, January 9, 1998, http://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/09/nyregion/mastermind-gets-life-for-bombing-of-trade-center.html. In 1986, Yousef left Kuwait and studied electronic engineering in Swansea, Wales, in the United Kingdom. He returned to Kuwait in 1989 after completing his studies, and moved to Pakistan in the summer of 1990.Christopher S. Wren, “Charged as Terror Master, Surrounded by Mysteries,” New York Times, May 29, 1996, http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/29/nyregion/charged-as-terror-master-surrounded-by-mysteries.html.
In the spring of 1992, Yousef traveled to an al-Qaeda camp on the Af-Pak border, where he received training in building explosives and began to plot the World Trade Center bombing.Christopher S. Wren, “Charged as Terror Master, Surrounded by Mysteries,” New York Times, May 29, 1996, http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/29/nyregion/charged-as-terror-master-surrounded-by-mysteries.html;
“1993 World Trade Center Bombing,” New York Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/1993-world-trade-center-bombing-gallery-1.2130538?pmSlide=1.2130526;
Henry Schuster, “The next big fear,” CNN, February 2, 20016, http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/02/schuster.column/index.html?iref=mpstoryview;
“United States of America vs. Ramzi Ahmed Yousef…,” Untied States Court of Appeals, April 4, 2003, 8, http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/terrorism/usyousef40403opn.pdf. That fall, he moved to the United States, flying into New York’s JFK International Airport. Yousef used a fake Iraqi passport, claiming that he was seeking political asylum. He was held and interrogated but released after 72 hours, in part due to overcrowded holding cells.Terry McDermott, “The Mastermind,” The New Yorker, September 13, 2010, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/09/13/the-mastermind;
Bob Martin, “Vetting for terror ties has failed for two decades,” New York Post, December 14, 2015, http://nypost.com/2015/12/14/vetting-for-terror-ties-has-failed-for-two-decades/.
Yousef immediately set about recruiting co-conspirators for his World Trade Center bombing plot from a mosque in Jersey City, New Jersey. With assistance including financial support from KSM, Yousef plotted and directed the World Trade Center bombing that took place on February 26, 1993.“1993 World Trade Center Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, February 21, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/us/1993-world-trade-center-bombing-fast-facts/;
Robin Wright and John-Thor Dahlburg, “Legwork, Luck Closed Net Around Bombing Suspect: A mysterious informer’s tip capped an intense search for alleged mastermind of trade center blast,” Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1995, http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-12/news/mn-31228_1_trade-center-bombing/2;
Terry McDermott, “The Mastermind,” New Yorker, September 30, 2010, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/09/13/the-mastermind. Ultimately designed to topple both towers, the 1,500 pound bomb—planted in a truck parked in the North Tower’s basement garage—created a hole of 200 feet by 100 feet, killing six people, injuring more than 1,000 others, and causing $500 million in damage. On the night of the bombing, Yousef fled the United States on a pre-booked Pakistan International Airways flight to Karachi, where he joined KSM.Robin Wright and John-Thor Dahlburg, “Legwork, Luck Closed Net Around Bombing Suspect: A mysterious informer’s tip capped an intense search for alleged mastermind of trade center blast,” Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1995, http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-12/news/mn-31228_1_trade-center-bombing/2. By May 1993, four of Yousef’s five accomplices in the World Trade Center bombing had been arrested. All four were sentenced to 240 years in prison.“1993 World Trade Center Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, February 21, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/us/1993-world-trade-center-bombing-fast-facts/. The fifth accomplice, Omar Abdel-Rahman, was convicted in October 1995 and sentenced to life in prison.“1993 World Trade Center Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, February 21, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/us/1993-world-trade-center-bombing-fast-facts/.
Yousef did not stay in Karachi for long. In early 1994, he and KSM moved to Manila, Philippines, believing it would be a relatively easy place from which to plan terrorist attacks.Terry McDermott, “The Mastermind,” New Yorker, September 30, 2010, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/09/13/the-mastermind. That summer, the pair—alongside accomplices Abdul Hakim Murad and Wali Khan Amin Shah—began to plan the “Bojinka” plot, the intended bombing of 12 U.S. commercial passenger planes over the Pacific Ocean within two days. In addition to the plot, Yousef and KSM planned to bomb U.S.-bound cargo carriers by smuggling explosives on board, and to assassinate Pope John Paul II and U.S. President Bill Clinton during the leaders’ respective trips to Manila in late 1994.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): 489, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report.pdf. Yousef and KSM prepared for the Bojinka plot by building and testing explosives—including at an empty Manila movie theater.Raymond Bonner and Benjamin Weiser, “Echoes of early design to use chemicals to blow up airliners – Asia – Pacific – International Herald Tribune,” New York Times, August 11, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/11/world/asia/11iht-web.0811manila.2447764.html.
On December 11, 1994, in order to further test explosives for the Bojinka plot, Yousef planted a bomb on Philippine Air Flight 434 from Cebu to Tokyo. The explosion killed a Japanese businessman and injured 10 other passengers. Despite the blast—which caused a two-square-foot hole in the cabin floor and the severed control cables connected to the steering controls—the pilot managed to land the plane at Okinawa Island, Japan.Raymond Bonner and Benjamin Weiser, “Echoes of early design to use chemicals to blow up airliners – Asia – Pacific – International Herald Tribune,” New York Times, August 11, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/11/world/asia/11iht-web.0811manila.2447764.html;
“Plane terror suspects convicted on all counts,” CNN, September 5, 1996, http://www.cnn.com/US/9609/05/terror.plot/.
The Bojinka plot was thwarted by Philippine authorities in January 1995 after they discovered bomb-making materials in Yousef and KSM’s apartment. Authorities had been called to the apartment due to a fire in the men’s makeshift explosives laboratory. Authorities also uncovered a laptop with detailed plans of the Bojinka plot, and found that Yousef was experimenting with liquid explosives and had invented remote trigger devices.“Plane terror suspects convicted on all counts,” CNN, September 5, 1996, http://www.cnn.com/US/9609/05/terror.plot/. KSM soon fled to Qatar, and Yousef to Pakistan.Raymond Bonner and Benjamin Weiser, “Echoes of early design to use chemicals to blow up airlines – Asia – Pacific – International Herald Tribune,” New York Times, August 11, 2006, http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/11/world/asia/11iht-web.0811manila.2447764.html;
Terry McDermott, “The Mastermind,” New Yorker, September 30, 2010, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/09/13/the-mastermind.
On February 7, 1995, Yousef was captured in a joint FBI-ISI raid in Islamabad and swiftly extradited to the United States to face trial. Judge Kevin Thomas Duffy noted that during Yousef’s trial, he “was collecting urea in his jail cell, a main ingredient in the WTC bomb.” Duffy also noted that Yousef had “attempted to obtain the particular type of cheap wristwatch that had been used as the timing device” in bombs intended for airplanes.Richard A. Serrano, “After 15 years in solitary, convicted terrorists pleads for contact with others,” Los Angeles Times, February 16, 2013, http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/16/nation/la-na-yousef-solitary-20130217. Yousef was found guilty for his roles in the Bojinka plot and the World Trade Center bombing on September 5, 1996, and November 12, 1997, respectively.“Plane terror suspects convicted on all counts,” CNN, September 5, 1996, http://www.cnn.com/US/9609/05/terror.plot/; “United States of America vs. Ramzi Ahmed Yousef…,” Untied States Court of Appeals, April 4, 2003, 8, http://news.findlaw.com/cnn/docs/terrorism/usyousef40403opn.pdf.
U.S.-sanctioned Abdallah al-Muhaysini is a senior leader in al-Qaeda’s Syrian-based al-Nusra Front, having served at various times as a recruiter, fundraiser, and religious advisor for the terrorist group.“Treasury Designates Key Al-Nusrah Front Leaders,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 10, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0605.aspx. Muhaysini has raised millions of dollars for al-Nusra Front, boasting of having raised at least $5 million through a variety of terrorist fronts. In April 2016, Muhaysini launched a campaign to recruit 3,000 child and teenage soldiers from across northern Syria. In addition to fundraising and recruiting on behalf of al-Nusra Front, Muhaysini has also served at various times as its military strategist and political representative.“Treasury Designates Key Al-Nusrah Front Leaders,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 10, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0605.aspx.
Muhaysini was born in 1987 in the Qassim region of north-central Saudi Arabia. After having reportedly memorized the Quran by the age of 15, Muhaysini graduated from the University of Umm al-Qura in Mecca with a degree in sharia (Islamic law).Aaron Y. Zelin, “The Saudi Foreign Fighter Presence in Syria,” Combatting Terrorism Center at West Point, April 28, 2014, https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-saudi-foreign-fighter-presence-in-syria. Muhaysini earned his doctorate degree soon after from the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, where he studied under extremist, al-Qaeda-affiliated propagandist Sulayman al-Ulwan. After serving as the imam at the Qatar mosque in Mecca, Muhaysini left for Syria in or around 2013, where he quickly took up with al-Nusra Front. He was photographed alongside notorious Chechen Nusra commander Omar al-Shishani, and has admitted to having spoken with al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri by phone.Aaron Y. Zelin, “The Saudi Foreign Fighter Presence in Syria,” Combatting Terrorism Center at West Point, April 28, 2014, https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-saudi-foreign-fighter-presence-in-syria. Before he became the target of U.S. sanctions in November 2016, Muhaysini maintained an English-language Twitter account under the handle @Muhaysini_EN, where Muhaysini—despite his affiliation with al-Nusra Front—claimed to be an “immigrant to Shaam [Syria]” and “an independent student of knowledge who doesn’t belong to any [rebel] faction.”Thomas Joscelyn, “US Treasury designates Saudi jihadist cleric, three others in Syria,” Long War Journal, November 10, 2016, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/11/us-treasury-designates-saudi-jihadist-cleric-three-others-in-syria.php. Before finally being suspended in November 2016, Muhaysini’s Twitter account had reached more than 60,000 followers.Rukmini Callimachi, “Protest of U.S. Terror Listing Offers a Glimpse at Qaeda Strategy,” New York Times, November 17, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/18/world/middleeast/protest-of-us-terror-listing-offers-a-glimpse-at-qaeda-strategy.html.
Muhaysini was sanctioned by the U.S. government for his role in al-Nusra Front on November 10, 2016.“Treasury Designates Key Al-Nusrah Front Leaders,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 10, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0605.aspx. In an interview with the New York Times released the following week, Muhaysini denied any affiliation with al-Qaeda and claimed that Syrians were outraged at the designation since he was a “national symbol” for the Syrian people. As the Times reports, however, Muhaysini has used his social media profile to eulogize deceased al-Qaeda leaders and encourage suicide bombers to carry out attacks. As the Times notes, Muhaysini was even profiled in one of al-Qaeda’s magazines, Al Risalah.Rukmini Callimachi, “Protest of U.S. Terror Listing Offers a Glimpse at Qaeda Strategy,” New York Times, November 17, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/18/world/middleeast/protest-of-us-terror-listing-offers-a-glimpse-at-qaeda-strategy.html.
In September 2017, Muhaysini announced his resignation from Hay’at Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a group formed from a merger of al-Nusra Front and several smaller groups. He complained about the infighting between HTS and Ahrar al-Sham and leaked audio recordings that exposed that some within HTS had it out for him, citing these as the reasons for his resignation.Thomas Joscelyn, “Al Qaeda again addresses factional infighting in Syria,” Long war Journal, March 24, 2018, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/03/al-qaeda-again-addresses-factional-infighting-in-syria.php. He has also survived two assassination attempts. The first by a suicide bomber in June 2017 left him unharmed and the second in April 2018 by a road side bomb wounded him.Angus McDowall, “Militant Saudi cleric survives assassination attempt in Syria,” Reuters, June 16, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-assassination/militant-saudi-cleric-survives-assassination-attempt-in-syria-idUSKBN1972AJ; “Abdullah Al-Muhaysini Wounded in Assassination Attempt in Syria's Idlib,” Fars News Agency, April 28, 2018, http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970208000469.
In September 2018, after a Turkish book accused Muhaysini of hostility towards Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Muhaysini responded in defense of the president. He called Erdoğan “a diligent Muslim . . . who is trying to reform his country, and support the issues of Muslims,” praising him for moving Turkey away from secularism.Thomas Joscelyn and Caleb Weiss, “Jihadi Ideologues Argue of Turkey’s Erdogan,” FDD’s Long War Journal, September 28, 2020, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/09/jihadist-ideologues-argue-over-turkeys-erdogan.php. This drew a rebuke from jihadi ideologue Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, who argued that supporting Erdoğan is a “dilution of ideology.” Maqdisi cited Turkey’s participation in NATO, the invasion of Afghanistan, recognition of the “apostate government of Somalia,” and respect for established international borders to indict jihadist supporters of Erdoğan. Muhaysini responded to this criticism by claiming Maqdisi is not a real sheikh and thus has no authority to issue fatwa. He also accused Maqdisi of harming the jihad in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria by his overly harsh application of takfir, of disparaging the names of Hamas co-founder Ahmed Yassin and jihad “godfather” Abdullah Azzam, and of being excessively lenient towards elements of ISIS.Thomas Joscelyn and Caleb Weiss, “Jihadi Ideologues Argue of Turkey’s Erdogan,” FDD’s Long War Journal, September 28, 2020, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/09/jihadist-ideologues-argue-over-turkeys-erdogan.php.
On November 10, 2016 Abdallah Muhammad Bin-Sulayman al-Muhaysini was designated under Executive Order 13224 for providing support and services to al-Nusrah Front.“Treasury Designates Key Al-Nusrah Front Leaders,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 10, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0605.aspx.
Omar Abdel-Rahman—known colloquially as the “Blind Sheikh”—was an influential figure for al-Qaeda terrorists, known for issuing fatwas (religious rulings) calling for acts of terrorism. Abdel-Rahman was himself implicated in plotting and conspiring to carry out various acts of terror. The Egyptian national was arrested in 1993, tried, and ultimately convicted in 1995 on dozens of charges, including conspiracy in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU. A rallying figure for al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood among other extremist groups, Abdel-Rahman died in February 2017 while serving a life sentence in U.S. prison.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU.
Abdel-Rahman was born and raised in Egypt, blind since infancy as a result of childhood diabetes.Peter Bergen, “The Cleric Who Altered the Course of Modern History,” CNN, February 19, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/19/opinions/9-11-spiritual-guide-dies-bergen/;
Rich Schapiro, “Blind sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, Mastermind of 1993 World Trade Center Bombing, Dies at 78,” New York Daily News, February 19, 2017, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/blind-sheik-omar-abdel-rahman-linked-1993-wtc-attack-dies-article-1.2976140. After studying the Quran in braille, Abdel-Rahman received a doctorate degree in Islamic jurisprudence from Al-Azhar University in Cairo.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU; Peter Bergen, “The Cleric Who Altered the Course of Modern History,” CNN, February 19, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/19/opinions/9-11-spiritual-guide-dies-bergen/. Following the October 1981 assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Abdel-Rahman was arrested and imprisoned for having previously penned a fatwa excommunicating Sadat, thereby laying the theological groundwork for his murder.Matt Schudel, “Omar Abdel Rahman, imprisoned ‘blind sheikh’ linked to terrorist efforts, dies at 78,” Washington Post, February 18, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/omar-abdel-rahman-blind-sheik-convicted-in-1993-world-trade-center-attack-dies-at-78/2017/02/18/807c4f2c-f603-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html;
Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU. Although Abdel-Rahman was discovered to have written the fatwa, he was acquitted of direct involvement in the murder, and was released from prison in 1984.Julia Preston, “Omar Abdel Rahman, Blind Cleric Found Guilty of Plot to Wage ‘War of Urban Terrorism,’ Dies at 78,” New York Times, February 18, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/18/world/middleeast/omar-abdel-rahman-dead.html. Abdel-Rahman subsequently left Egypt for Afghanistan, where he joined the anti-Soviet jihadist movement and forged an alliance with al-Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.Matt Schudel, “Omar Abdel Rahman, imprisoned ‘blind sheikh’ linked to terrorist efforts, dies at 78,” Washington Post, February 18, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/omar-abdel-rahman-blind-sheik-convicted-in-1993-world-trade-center-attack-dies-at-78/2017/02/18/807c4f2c-f603-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html.
In 1990, Abdel-Rahman applied for and received a tourist visa to travel to the United States, despite being on the State Department’s list of individuals with ties to terrorist organizations.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU. That year, Abdel-Rahman and his followers were implicated in the murder of radical preacher Rabbi Meir Kahane, shot to death in a Manhattan hotel.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU;
John Kifner, “Meir Kahane, 58, Israeli Militant and Founder of the Jewish Defense League,” New York Times, November 6, 1990, http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/06/obituaries/meir-kahane-58-israeli-militant-and-founder-of-the-jewish-defense-league.html. Abdel-Rahman nonetheless received a green card and U.S. permanent resident status the following year, and began preaching in storefronts in Brooklyn, New York, and nearby Jersey City in New Jersey.Matt Schudel, “Omar Abdel Rahman, imprisoned ‘blind sheikh’ linked to terrorist efforts, dies at 78,” Washington Post, February 18, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/omar-abdel-rahman-blind-sheik-convicted-in-1993-world-trade-center-attack-dies-at-78/2017/02/18/807c4f2c-f603-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html;
Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU. In 1992, Abdel-Rahman and his followers were linked to terrorist attacks in Egypt, including the murder of an Egyptian writer and attacks on foreign tourists.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU.
On February 26, 1993, followers of Abdel-Rahman bombed the World Trade Center in New York, killing six people and wounding more than 1,000 others. Abdel-Rahman was arrested four months later as part of the investigation, and was found to have been directly involved in plotting a thwarted “day of terror” in New York, in which terrorists would simultaneously bomb the United Nations building, the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, the George Washington Bridge, and the FBI headquarters.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU;
Matt Schudel, “Omar Abdel Rahman, imprisoned ‘blind sheikh’ linked to terrorist efforts, dies at 78,” Washington Post, February 18, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/omar-abdel-rahman-blind-sheik-convicted-in-1993-world-trade-center-attack-dies-at-78/2017/02/18/807c4f2c-f603-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html. Abdel-Rahman was also found to have plotted to kill Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a 1993 visit to the United States, as well as a Jewish New York state legislator and a Jewish New York State Supreme Court justice.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU. In all, Abdel-Rahman was convicted on 48 terrorism-related charges on October 1, 1995, and sentenced in 1996 to life in prison.Joseph P. Fried, “The Terror Conspiracy: the Overview; Sheik and 9 Followers Guilty of a Conspiracy of Terrorism,” New York Times, October 2, 1995, http://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/02/nyregion/terror-conspiracy-overview-sheik-9-followers-guilty-conspiracy-terrorism.html;
Julia Preston, “Lawyer Is Guilty of Aiding Terror,” New York Times, February 11, 2005, http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/11/nyregion/lawyer-is-guilty-of-aiding-terror.html.
While in prison, Abdel-Rahman continued to serve as a rallying figure for notorious extremist and terrorist operatives, including al-Qaeda leaders bin Laden and Zawahiri, as well as Zawahiri’s brother, Muhammad al-Zawahiri, and Egyptian Brotherhood figure Mohammed Morsi.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU;
Matt Schudel, “Omar Abdel Rahman, imprisoned ‘blind sheikh’ linked to terrorist efforts, dies at 78,” Washington Post, February 18, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/omar-abdel-rahman-blind-sheik-convicted-in-1993-world-trade-center-attack-dies-at-78/2017/02/18/807c4f2c-f603-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html. In May 1998, two years after Abdel-Rahman’s sentence to life in prison, al-Qaeda publicly released a fatwa by Abdel-Rahman urging all Muslims to “tear [Americans, Jews, and Christians] to pieces.” Presaging al-Qaeda’s USS Cole and 9/11 attacks, the fatwa continued: “Destroy their economies, burn their corporations, destroy their businesses, sink their ships and bring down their airplanes. Kill them in the sea, on land and in the air.”Peter Bergen, “The Cleric Who Altered the Course of Modern History,” CNN, February 19, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/19/opinions/9-11-spiritual-guide-dies-bergen/.
Bin Laden and other senior Islamist figures have continued to reference Abdel-Rahman as a rallying figure in their various propaganda materials. In 2000, Al Jazeera released a video of bin Laden vowing “to work with all our power to free our brother, Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman.”Peter Bergen, “The Cleric Who Altered the Course of Modern History,” CNN, February 19, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/19/opinions/9-11-spiritual-guide-dies-bergen/. In the spring of 2001, during the final stages before the 9/11 attacks, bin Laden released a two-hour-long propaganda video for al-Qaeda, at one point referencing Abdel-Rahman, calling him a “hostage in an American jail.”Peter Bergen, “The Cleric Who Altered the Course of Modern History,” CNN, February 19, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/19/opinions/9-11-spiritual-guide-dies-bergen/.
Zawahiri has meanwhile called on Egyptians to kidnap Americans in an effort to secure a prisoner exchange, and his brother, Muhammad, has called Abdel-Rahman “the godfather of all Islamic movements.”Matt Schudel, “Omar Abdel Rahman, imprisoned ‘blind sheikh’ linked to terrorist efforts, dies at 78,” Washington Post, February 18, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/omar-abdel-rahman-blind-sheik-convicted-in-1993-world-trade-center-attack-dies-at-78/2017/02/18/807c4f2c-f603-11e6-8d72-263470bf0401_story.html. Upon his election to the Egyptian presidency in 2012, Brotherhood figure Mohammed Morsi pledged to win Abdel-Rahman’s freedom, which he characterized as a priority for his government.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU;
David D. Kirkpatrick, “Egypt’s New Leader Takes Oath, Promising to Work for Release of Jailed Terrorist,” New York Times, June 29, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/30/world/middleeast/morsi-promises-to-work-for-release-of-omar-abdel-rahman.html. Abdel-Rahman’s speeches and texts have also reportedly been used by ISIS for recruitment purposes.Kjetil Stormark, “Fight and Win Paradise,” Hate Speech International, February 4, 2014, https://www.hate-speech.org/fight-in-syria-win-paradise/.
Abdel-Rahman suffered from coronary artery disease and diabetes. He died of natural causes while in U.S. custody on February 18, 2017.Bill Trott, “’Blind Sheikh’ Convicted in 1993 World Trade Bombing Dies in U.S. Prison,” Reuters, February 18, 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tradecenter-rahman-idUSKBN15X0KU.
Bachrumsyah Mennor Usman was an Indonesian citizen and U.S.-designated ISIS operative based in Syria.“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Usman commanded ISIS fighters—including by coordinating their travel and communication—and facilitated funding for ISIS in Indonesia. He was also believed to recruit for the group. He was previously a member of the Indonesian jihadist organization Jemaah Islamiyah. The U.S. Department of the Treasury classified Usman as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) on January 10, 2016.“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx. On April 17, 2018, he was reportedly killed in a U.S. airstrike in Syria, although the U.S. military was unable to confirm his death.Roni Toldanes, “Pentagon: No Confirmation on Indonesian IS Leader’s Purported Death,” Benar News, April 20, 2018, https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/indonesia-militants-04202018182403.html.
Usman pledged allegiance to ISIS in February 2014 at an ISIS-aligned mosque in Indonesia“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx.The following month, he joined ISIS in Syria and began facilitating the travel of Indonesian foreign fighters to ISIS-controlled territory.“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in September 2014 Usman was appointed head of ISIS’s Archipelago Group, also known as Katibah Nusantara—a unit comprised of Southeast Asian fighters dedicated to organizing and conducting attacks in their home countries.Joe Cochrane, “Explosions in Jakarta, Indonesia,” New York Times, January 14, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/live/jakarta-indonesia-explosions/background-on-katibah-nusantara-a-military-unit-under-isis-linked-to-jakarta-attacks/;
“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx;
John McBeth, “Inside the cauldron of Indonesian-ISIS terror,” Asia Times, January 17, 2017, http://www.atimes.com/article/inside-cauldron-indonesian-isis-terror/.
Usman appeared in a number of ISIS propaganda videos, including a July 2014 video entitled “Join the Ranks” in which he encouraged Indonesians to support the terror group.“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx;
“ISIS Online Recruitment Video “Join the Ranks” Featured Indonesian Jihadists,” Global Indonesian Voices, July 31, 2014, http://www.globalindonesianvoices.com/14849/isis-online-recruitment-video-join-the-ranks-featured-indonesian-jihadists/. Following the video’s release, Indonesian authorities discovered an underground ISIS recruitment network, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In March 2015, Usman appeared in another ISIS video that portrayed Indonesian and Malaysian children partaking in ISIS training camp activities, including firing machine guns.“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx.
Usman previously studied under Indonesian Islamist Aman Abdurrahman, a.k.a. Omar Rochman, before the latter’s arrest and imprisonment in December 2010. Following Abdurrahman’s conviction, Usman co-founded an Indonesian Islamist group—alongside U.S.-designated operative Tuah Febriwansyah, a.k.a. Muhammad Fachary—that declared its support for ISIS in February 2014.“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Usman alongside Abdurrahman and Australian ISIS propagandist Khaled Sharrouf. He was also designated alongside Neil Prakash, an Australian ISIS recruiter and propagandist also sanctioned by the United Nations and Australia.U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx;
“Counter-terrorism related sanctions listing,” Minister for Foreign Affairs, June 5, 2015, http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2015/jb_mr_150604.aspx;
“Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 Listing 2015 (No. 2),” United Nations via Commonwealth of Australia, June 4, 2015 https://www.dropbox.com/s/knbydc3mjwihlka/C2015G00866%20-%20Charter%20of%20the%20United%20Nations%20Act%201945%20Listing%202015%20(No.%202).pdf?dl=0. Prakash has been featured in numerous ISIS videos, and has used social media platforms, including Twitter, to encourage Australians to join ISIS.Martin Chulov and Paul Farrell, “Revealed: the new face of Neil Prakash, Australia’s most wanted Isis member,” Guardian (London), December 2, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/03/neil-prakash-new-images-isis-member-arrest-turkey-australia.
On April 17, 2018, social media reports alleged that Usman had been killed in a U.S. airstrike in Syria. On pro-ISIS Telegram channels, militants eulogized Usman as “a martyr having been exposed to the bombardment of a B-1 Lancer fighter jet in the Hajin, Syria area.” The U.S. military publicly stated that although it had conducted bombings on April 17 in Hajin, it was unable to confirm that Usman had been killed.Roni Toldanes, “Pentagon: No Confirmation on Indonesian IS Leader’s Purported Death,” Benar News, April 20, 2018, https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/indonesia-militants-04202018182403.html.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated “Bachrumsyah Mennor Usman” as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224 on January 10, 2017.“Treasury Designates Australian and Southeast Asian ISIL Operatives,” U.S Department of the Treasury, January 10, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0698.aspx.
Adam al-Herz is an American citizen and convicted arms smuggler accused of supplying weapons to Hezbollah.Trish Mehaffey, “Family members sentenced in gun smuggling,” The Gazette (Cedar Rapids), October 14, 2016, http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/cedar-rapids-man-sentenced-for-helping-smuggle-guns-to-lebanon-20161014. In March 2016, Herz pled guilty to firearms conspiracy, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and violation of the Arms Export Control Act.“Three Plead Guilty In Connection With Scheme To Unlawfully Ship Firearms to Lebanon,” U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Iowa, March 11, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/three-plead-guilty-connection-scheme-unlawfully-ship-firearms-lebanon. He was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in July 2016 for attempting to illegally ship firearms and ammunition to Beirut, Lebanon.“Four Persons Charged with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Ship Arms to Lebanon,” U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Iowa, May 12, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/omaha/news/press-releases/four-persons-charged-with-conspiracy-to-unlawfully-ship-firearms-to-lebanon.
In May 2015, Herz was arrested alongside two family members, his father Ali Afif al-Herz, and his aunt, Sarah Majid Zeaiter. In court testimony, U.S. Assistant Attorney Richard Murphy accused Ali Afif al-Herz of being a Hezbollah sympathizer.Grant Rodgers, “Gun smuggling suspect had ties to Hezbollah, agent says,” Des Moines Register, May 16, 2015, http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2015/05/15/suspected-gun-smugglers-lebanon/27370071/. Herz’s uncle, Bassem Afif Herz, was also later arrested. All four pled guilty to firearms offences. All are U.S. citizens apart from Zeaiter, who is a U.S. permanent resident.Grant Rodgers, “Cedar Rapids family accused of smuggling guns to Lebanon,” Des Moines Register, May 13, 2015, http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2015/05/12/cedar-rapids-family-linked-lebanese-gun-shipments/27180565/.
The four individuals legally acquired approximately 252 firearms from gun stores and gun shows in eastern Ohio over a span of 17 months.Trish Mehaffey, “Family members sentenced in gun smuggling,” The Gazette (Cedar Rapids), October 14, 2016, http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/cedar-rapids-man-sentenced-for-helping-smuggle-guns-to-lebanon-20161014. Between about August 2014 to May 2015, the family sent at least three shipping containers—containing firearms concealed inside Bobcat-labeled containers—from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with the intended destination of Beirut, Lebanon. After apparently successfully sending the first container to Beirut, the second and third containers were intercepted by U.S. authorities.Trish Mehaffey, “Family members sentenced in gun smuggling,” The Gazette (Cedar Rapids), October 14, 2016, http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/cedar-rapids-man-sentenced-for-helping-smuggle-guns-to-lebanon-20161014.
On October 13, 2016, Adam al-Herz was sentenced to 240 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.“Third Person Sentenced in Scheme to Smuggle Guns to Lebanon is Ordered to Serve 342 Months in Federal Prison,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Iowa, October 31, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/third-person-sentenced-scheme-smuggle-guns-lebanon-ordered-serve-342-months-federal. Herz’s aunt, Sarah Zeaiter, received seven years for her part in the smuggling scheme.Trish Mehaffey, “Family members sentenced in gun smuggling,” The Gazette (Cedar Rapids), October 14, 2016, http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/cedar-rapids-man-sentenced-for-helping-smuggle-guns-to-lebanon-20161014. On October 31, 2016, Herz’s father, Ali Afif al-Herz, was sentenced to 342 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $150,000 fine.“Third Person Sentenced in Scheme to Smuggle Guns to Lebanon is Ordered to Serve 342 Months in Federal Prison,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Iowa, October 31, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/third-person-sentenced-scheme-smuggle-guns-lebanon-ordered-serve-342-months-federal. On December 12, Herz’s uncle, Bassem Afif Herz, was sentenced to 97 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit $48,575 of proceeds that stemmed from his criminal activity.
In June 2018, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions of Ali Atif al-Herz, Bassem Afif Herz, and Sarah Zeaiter. Adam al-Herz’s appeal is still pending.Trish Mehaffey, “Federal appeals court upholds three family members' convictions for smuggling guns to Lebanon,” Gazette (Cedar Rapids), June 11, 2018, https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/federal-appeals-court-upholds-three-family-members-convictions-for-smuggling-guns-to-lebanon-20180611.
On August 13, 2019, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Industry and Security Bureau denied exporting privileges for Herz and anyone working on his behalf until October 13, 2026.Karen H. Nies-Vogel, “Order Denying Export Privileges,” U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, August 13, 2019, https://efoia.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/export-violations/export-violations-2019/1234-e2597/file.
Oussama Atar was a dual Belgian-Moroccan citizen suspected of coordinating the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris on behalf of ISIS.“Officials name possible coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks as Oussama Atar,” CBS News, November 8, 2016, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/officials-name-possible-coordinator-paris-brussels-attacks-oussama-atar/. In early November 2016, a French judicial official and a security official confirmed that Atar was the real name of “Abu Ahmed,” the ISIS figure suspected by law enforcement of masterminding the November 2015 Paris attacks.Associated Press, “Authorities ID possible organizer of Paris, Brussels attacks,” Yahoo News, November 8, 2016, http://sports.yahoo.com/news/authorities-id-possible-organizer-paris-brussels-attacks-160254593.html. European authorities have also linked Atar to the March 2016 attacks in Brussels.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/. On November 17, 2017, Atar was reportedly killed in an airstrike by the international coalition in Syria.“Oussama Atar mastermind behind Paris and Brussels attacks killed in Syria,” Brussel Times, November 7, 2018, https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/51710/oussama-atar-mastermind-of-paris-and-brussels-attacks-killed-in-syria/.
According to Agence France-Presse, a suspected extremist arrested in Austria in December 2015 said that Atar—identified by the extremist as “Abu Ahmed”—had sent him to participate in the Paris attacks.“Investigators name alleged planner of Paris, Brussels attacks,” Deutsche Welle, November 9, 2016, http://www.dw.com/en/investigators-name-alleged-planner-of-paris-brussels-attacks/a-36316533. According to European counterterrorism officials, suspects in the Paris attacks identified “Abu Ahmed” as their emir (leader) of the Paris cell, saying that he “discussed targets, strategy and bomb-making techniques from Syria via encrypted channels with survivors of the terrorist cell who were hiding in Brussels.”Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe.
Belgian authorities reportedly suspected that Atar was in the country in August 2016. Atar allegedly fled Belgium after information leaked to the media that Belgian Special Forces were searching for him. Belgian officials have described Atar as “the highest ranking ISIS operative” from the Brussels area.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/.
Atar was the cousin of brothers Ibrahim and Khalid El Bakraoui, two suicide bombers who killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 300 in Brussels, Belgium, on March 22, 2016.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/. French authorities reportedly believe that Atar helped radicalize at least one of the El Bakraoui brothers, and that Atar coordinated the attacks from Syria. Authorities reportedly found proof on a computer belonging to one of the Bakraoui brothers connecting Atar to the Paris and Brussels attacks.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/.
Authorities have described Atar as an “ISIS original.”Henry Samuel, “Paris and Brussels terror attacks were coordinated by Syria-based jihadist called Oussama Atar, French and Belgian intelligence believe,” Telegraph (London), November 8, 2016, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/08/paris-and-brussels-terror-attacks-were-coordinated-by-syria-base/. Atar reportedly first traveled to Iraq and Syria in 2002.Henry Samuel, “Paris and Brussels terror attacks were coordinated by Syria-based jihadist called Oussama Atar, French and Belgian intelligence believe,” Telegraph (London), November 8, 2016, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/08/paris-and-brussels-terror-attacks-were-coordinated-by-syria-base/. In February 2005, Atar was arrested in Ramadi, Iraq. Two years later, an Iraqi court convicted Atar on charges of illegally entering the country and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/; “Osama Atar, one of the presumed brains of the attacks of Brussels, sought by the Belgian authorities,” Le Monde (Paris), August 17, 2016, http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2016/08/17/oussama-atar-le-cousin-des-kamikazes-des-attentats-de-bruxelles-activement-recherche-par-les-autorites-belges_4984153_3214.html. Atar then reportedly spent time in multiple Iraqi prisons, including Abu Ghraib and Camp Bucca, where he reportedly met future ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/. While in Iraq’s al-Rusafa Prison in 2010, Atar’s lawyer launched a public campaign with the help of various NGOs to have Atar receive immediate medical care. According to Amnesty International, prison authorities had told the Belgian embassy that Atar had a tumor in his kidney and required immediate surgery. The Red Cross later discovered that Atar had a colon infection, not cancer.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/.
Atar was released from prison in September 2012 and returned to Belgium. According to Atar’s lawyer at the time, Vincent Lurquin, Belgian authorities were not as concerned by ISIS at that time and “left [Atar] by himself” after a routine interrogation.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/. After news broke of Atar’s possible connection to the Paris attacks, Lurquin told media outlets that he did not know what had become of his former client.“Osama Atar, one of the presumed brains of the attacks of Brussels, sought by the Belgian authorities,” Le Monde (Paris), August 17, 2016, http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2016/08/17/oussama-atar-le-cousin-des-kamikazes-des-attentats-de-bruxelles-activement-recherche-par-les-autorites-belges_4984153_3214.html.
As of November 2016, Atar reportedly remained at large in Syria, according to media reports.Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/.
On November 17, 2017, Atar was reportedly killed in an airstrike by the international coalition in Syria, but his death was not officially confirmed.“Oussama Atar mastermind behind Paris and Brussels attacks killed in Syria,” Brussel Times, November 7, 2018, https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/51710/oussama-atar-mastermind-of-paris-and-brussels-attacks-killed-in-syria/.
Abu Suleyman al-Firansi—born as Abdelilah Himich—is a Moroccan citizen, former French soldier, and suspected key member of ISIS. According to several ISIS defectors, Firansi leads the group’s amn al-kharjee, the external operations branch responsible for carrying out attacks in Europe. Various U.S. and French authorities have identified Firansi as one of the suspected masterminds behind ISIS’s November 2015 Paris massacre and March 2016 Brussels bombings.Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe. In November 2016, French authorities identified Moroccan-Belgian extremist Oussama Atar as the overall coordinator of both attacks.Associated Press, “Authorities ID possible organizer of Paris, Brussels attacks,” Yahoo News, November 8, 2016, http://sports.yahoo.com/news/authorities-id-possible-organizer-paris-brussels-attacks-160254593.html; Margot Haddad, Erin McLaughlin, and Tim Hume, “France identifies suspected coordinator of Paris, Brussels attacks,” CNN, November 8, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/europe/paris-brussels-attacks-suspected-coordinator/. Firansi has been the subject of French and Interpol arrest warrants, and is believed to operate out of ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe. The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Firansi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on November 22, 2016.“Counter Terrorism Designations; Kingpin Act Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 22, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20161122.aspx.
Firansi was born in Rabat, Morocco, in 1989 and moved with his family to France in his early teens. He joined the French Foreign Legion in 2008 and gained combat experience while on a six-month tour in Afghanistan.Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe; Michael Weiss, “From French Soldier to ISIS Spymaster,” Daily Beast, October 24, 2016, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/10/24/the-french-spymaster-of-isis.html. According to French officials, Firansi deserted the French Foreign Legion in 2010, and was arrested in Paris one year later while carrying 2.6 pounds of cocaine.Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe; Michael Weiss, “Is This Frenchman Running ISIS Terror Networks in the West?,” Daily Beast, May 1, 2016, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/01/is-this-frenchman-running-isis-terror-networks-in-the-west.html. In 2013, Firansi was convicted on drug-related charges and sentenced to three years in prison, but was released after five months.Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe. By early 2014, Firansi had traveled to Syria by driving through Italy, Greece, and Turkey, to fight with an al-Qaeda-linked group before joining ISIS.Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe.
As a member of ISIS, Firansi has reportedly helped plot the group’s major attacks in Europe. Following the November 2015 Paris attacks, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi reportedly rewarded Firansi“ABOU SOULEIMAN : L’ÉMIR FRANÇAIS DE DAECH,” TTU, April 15, 2016, http://www.ttu.fr/abou-souleiman-lemir-francais-de-daech/; Michael Weiss, “Is This Frenchman Running ISIS Terror Networks in the West?,” Daily Beast, May 1, 2016, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/01/is-this-frenchman-running-isis-terror-networks-in-the-west.html. by appointing him to the head of the amn al-kharjee, a unit belonging to the larger intelligence structure known as the Emni. The Emni was previously led by Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, the group’s spokesman and director of external operations killed in an August 2016 drone strike.Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe; Rukmini Callimachi, “How A Secret Branch of ISIS Built a Global Network of Killers,” New York Times, August 3, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/04/world/middleeast/isis-german-recruit-interview.html?_r=0.
According to one unnamed U.S. counterterrorism official, Faransi is “one of the most important Frenchmen in ISIS, especially after the death of Adnani.”Sebastian Rotella, “U.S. Identifies Key Player in ISIS Attacks on Europe,” ProPublica, October 19, 2016, https://www.propublica.org/article/us-identifies-key-player-in-isis-attacks-on-europe. Journalist Michael Weiss has referred to Faransi as “arguably the single most important European in ISIS.”Michael Weiss, “From French Soldier to ISIS Spymaster,” Daily Beast, October 24, 2016, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/10/24/the-french-spymaster-of-isis.html.
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Abdelilah Himich as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.“Counter Terrorism Designations; Kingpin Act Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 22, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20161122.aspx.
Extremists: Their Words. Their Actions.
Fact:
On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel where, in the space of eight hours, hundreds of armed terrorists perpetrated mass crimes of brutality, rape, and torture against men, women and children. In the biggest attack on Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, 1,200 were killed, and 251 were taken hostage into Gaza—where 101 remain. One year on, antisemitic incidents have increased by record numbers.
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