If so, this would be big news. Osama is the figurehead and leader (and we want him dead), but Zawahiri is one of the guys who makes things happen. The other being KSM, who is currently in custody, and possibly the next guy the Left will be carrying signs saying “Free Khalid!”
(CBS)Â Ayman al-Zawahiri – the second most powerful leader in al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden’s No. 2 – may be critically wounded and possibly dead, CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Lara Logan reports exclusively.
CBS Newshas obtained a copy of an intercepted letter from sources in Pakistan, which urgently requests a doctor to treat al-Zawahiri. He’s believed to be somewhere in Pakistan’s remote tribal areas of Pakistan.
The letter refers to Sheikh Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri by name – and says that he is in “severe pain” and his “injuries are infected.”
It is reportedly written by local Taliban leader, Baitullah Mehsud, whose signature and seal are visible on the letter.
Good. I hope he is in a lot of pain, and some gangrene would be nice, too. I guess that seems mean, but, I have 2,996 reasons to feel that way.
Rustyis wondering if Zawahiri was killed during the July 28 Predator strike.
But, per CNN
U.S. counterterrorism officials said Friday they have seen no evidence to support a media report that al Qaeda’s No. 2 official, Ayman al-Zawahiri, may be critically wounded or dead.
Time will tell.
James Joyner: Even if Zawahiri’s death is verified, it’s unlikely to have much lasting impact. Al Qaeda is a brand name as much as it is a traditional terrorist group at this stage and there are more than enough people who can plan attacks on soft targets.
A.J. Strata has his fingers crossed.
See more at Memeorandum.
