Al-Qaeda Down, Not Out

Terror group is handicapped but still lethal
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 8, 2010 1:43 AM CST
Al-Qaeda Down, Not Out
This video frame grab shows al-Qaeda's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri as he praises Abu Laith al-Libi, a slain al-Qaeda commander in Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/IntelCenter)

The Obama administration has hobbled al-Qaeda, but the group is adapting, shifting its strategy to less ambitious but nevertheless deadly tactics. A relentless assassination campaign executed by Predator drones have killed two leaders and hundreds of foot soldiers in the past 6 months. Meanwhile, efforts to disrupt the group's financing network have given al-Qaeda a permanent cash-flow headache.

The result is that the world's foremost international terror group is now likely incapable of launching 9/11-like attacks, reports the Washington Post. Yet operatives remain determined, and have shifted their focus to low-budget attacks using "small numbers of terrorists, recently recruited and trained," such as the attempted Christmas Day bombing of a Detroit-bound airliner, the director of national intelligence told Congress last week.
(Read more al-Qaeda stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X