THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Al-Qaeda has chosen Ayman al-Zawahri as its new leader following Osama bin Laden's death in a US commando raid last month, according to a statement apparently issued by the movement’s general command.
The Egyptian surgeon was al-Qaeda’s number two for more than a decade and was widely expected to take on the top role when bin Laden was shot dead by US Navy Seals in Pakistan.
“The general command of al-Qaeda announces, after consultations, the appointment of Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri as head of the group,” said the statement which was posted on an Islamist website.
Al-Zawahiri, 59, issued a eulogy for bin Laden last week saying al-Qaeda’s leader had terrified the US when he was alive and would continue to do so in death. » | Rob Crilly, Islamabad | Thursday, June 16, 2011
JOY ONLINE: Profile: Ayman al-Zawahiri » | Thursday, June 16, 2011
BLOOMBERG: Al-Qaeda Names Egypt-Born Ayman Al-Zawahiri to Replace Bin Laden as Leader » | Chris Dolmetsch and Mariam Fam | Thursday, June 16, 2011
YOUTUBE: New Ayman Al Zawahiri Video Released »
