Sources: Drone Killed Top Qaeda Operative
Sources tell CBS News the al Qaeda operative believed killed in a drone strike in Pakistan this week is Saleh al-Somali, who was in charge of external operations for the group. He was considered one of a half dozen top Qaeda operatives.
Saleh al-Somali's position as al Qaeda's external operations boss means he was in charge of plotting against the U.S. and Europe, reports CBS News national security correspondent David Martin.
Earlier, Pakistan media had incorrectly reported that the strike killed al Qaeda's number 3 in command, Abu Yahya al-Libi.
Previously, al-Somali had worked in tribal areas of Pakistan with newly arrived Westerners recruited by al Qaeda.
Intelligence officials have confirmed that the pace of attacks by armed unmanned aerial vehicles, conducted largely by the CIA, has increased during the Obama administration.
The strikes have fanned anti-American sentiment in Pakistan because they have caused many civilian deaths. Since Jan. 28, 2008, there have been at least 67 suspected U.S. missile strikes into Pakistan, killing more than 721 people. Intelligence officials believe that at least 56 were militants, according to Pakistani intelligence officials and witnesses interviewed by The Associated Press after each strike.
CBS/ AP Saleh al-Somali's position as al Qaeda's external operations boss means he was in charge of plotting against the U.S. and Europe, reports CBS News national security correspondent David Martin.
Earlier, Pakistan media had incorrectly reported that the strike killed al Qaeda's number 3 in command, Abu Yahya al-Libi.
Previously, al-Somali had worked in tribal areas of Pakistan with newly arrived Westerners recruited by al Qaeda.
Intelligence officials have confirmed that the pace of attacks by armed unmanned aerial vehicles, conducted largely by the CIA, has increased during the Obama administration.
The strikes have fanned anti-American sentiment in Pakistan because they have caused many civilian deaths. Since Jan. 28, 2008, there have been at least 67 suspected U.S. missile strikes into Pakistan, killing more than 721 people. Intelligence officials believe that at least 56 were militants, according to Pakistani intelligence officials and witnesses interviewed by The Associated Press after each strike.
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Shame on Obamie!
What about the people with actual brains who think for themselves? Now, those people were potty trained and never have to worry about soiled pampers.
As for the listeners of Rush Limbaugh...they must love to let him make babies out of all of them and act like political crybabies demanding diaper changes. How can stubborn grown men allow this radio entertainer to make a fool out of them? By the way...Rush Limbaugh gets rich selling pampers for his listeners and loyal followers.
Can a person find something healthier to do for their recreation than to act like a baby by listening to Rush Limbaugh? He doesn't give milk! and you get a messy mind after he is through!
Can you think for yourself??
by shazmarine-dreams1 December 11, 2009 6:43 PM EST
lies lies lies tell us Great Satan children...
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Do not use Satan's name in jest .....
She is present everywhere ...
SHE WILL GET YOU!!!
I think She got him.
Kind of like someone has killed a spawn of satan and the Angels in heaven are rejoicing and singing over this victory against evil and satan.
Kind of like that.
I'm not an arab-hater....but I despise any religious zealout that thinks terrorizing and killing innocent humans will be rewarded with 72 virgins!
Those drones are keeping those sets of 72 virgins hopping busy!!!
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Gotta love that trial.....Trial by Predator drone and hellfire missle....Judge/Jury/Executioner.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT VIRGINS?ONE CANNOT FIND ONE IN AMERICA AFTER MIDDLE SCHOOL.
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And you'd be hard pressed to find a middle school in the Middle East.