Abu Hamza Rabia
Abu Hamza Rabia (
According to American intelligence officials, Rabia was al-Qaeda's third in command. Few details have been made available about his background, although
North Waziristan.[2] His death stirred controversy because it was Pakistani policy that US forces were not allowed in the country.[1][4]
Initially US and Pakistani authorities denied that the surprise airstrike was launched from a US Predator drone
.
In a subsequent development, the murder of local journalist Hayatullah Khan, whose body was found months after his disappearance, was tied to his investigation into Rabia's death.[5]
References
- ^ a b c "Al Qaeda No. 3 dead, but how?". CNN. December 4, 2005. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
- ^ a b
Sept. 11, 2001 attacksin the United States who was also caught in Pakistan, in March 2003.
- ^
"Blast 'kills al-Qaeda commander'". BBC News. 3 December 2005. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
Egyptian-born Abu Hamza Rabia, described as al-Qaeda's operational commander, was among five militants killed in a blast in North Waziristan.
- ^
"Shrapnel Points to Drone in Pakistan Attack". Fox News. December 5, 2005. Archived from the original on December 27, 2010. Retrieved February 10, 2008.
U.S. officials have refused to give details of the attack on the house where Hamza Rabia reportedly died, but they have told FOX News that it was a joint operation involving U.S. and Pakistani resources.
- ^ Khan, Aamer Ahmed (19 June 2006). "Mystery of murdered tribal journalist". BBC News. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
