Senior Qaeda leader in Afghanistan killed in April 13 airstrike

0 CommentsPrint E-mail Xinhua, April 26, 2011
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The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Tuesday that al-Qaeda's number 2 wanted insurgent in Afghanistan has been killed.

"The International Security Assistance Force confirmed their number two overall targeted insurgent in Afghanistan was killed during an airstrike in Dangam district, Kunar province, April 13," a statement released by the military alliance here said.

"Al-Qaeda senior leader Abu Hafs al-Najdi, also known as Abdul Ghani, a Saudi Arabian national, operated primarily from Kunar and travelled frequently between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He directed al-Qaeda operations in the province, including recruiting, training and employing fighters; obtaining weapons and equipment; organizing al-Qaeda finances; and planning attacks against Afghan and coalition forces," the statement said.

The statement added that "Abdul Ghani, and numerous other insurgents, including another al-Qaeda leader, Waqas, were killed in the April 13 airstrike."

Abdul Ghani was responsible for the coordination of numerous high-profile attacks, according to the statement.

Abdul Ghani has been the focus of coalition force efforts since at least 2007, and at the time of his death, was meeting Waqas. The two insurgents frequently worked together in coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

"The al-Qaeda network and its safe havens remains a top priority for Afghan and coalition forces. In the last month, coalition forces have killed more than 25 al-Qaeda leaders and fighters, and the death of Abdul Ghani marks a significant milestone in the disruption of the al-Qaeda network," the statement stated.

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