Al Libi Addresses His Boss In New Audio

Al Fajr media released on the forums today an intriguing eight minute audiotape by senior al Qaeda leader Abu Yahya al Libi. In many ways this video is unique. Al Libi's tapes are normally released by al Sahab and usually have graphic elements in the background. They also come within a specific context of events and address a specific Jihadi or Muslims community. In fact, this video addresses one single person, one of his bosses perhaps outside of Afghanistan and very possibly to Bin Laden or Zawahiri, "the honorable and knowledgeable Sheikh, may Allah protect him, raise his rank, and gather him with the prophets and the good believers on the day of judgment."

In his message, al Libi updates his senior Sheikh on the state of Jihad in Afghanistan. "The Mujahideen here in Afghanistan have achieved successive victories, and their situation is a lot better than before. They are now attacking the Christians and the apostates inside their own centers, by means of martyrdom operations, large-scale assaults, planned ambushes, and concentrated bombings." Al Libi is reassuring that the Muj are doing rather well. "The situation is much better and the signs of the great victory are sensed by all. Such good news we wanted to bring to our beloved Sheikh .. because we know how keen he is on learning about the Mujahideen .. their news .. how they're doing .. their worries."

The tape was recorded before winter as we hear al Libi say that the Muj are planning to maintain their operations throughout winter in order not to give the enemy a chance to "reorganize their ranks." It is difficult, however to tell which winter he is referring to.

In the recording al Libi complains about the lack of senior clerics to inspire the Mujahideen, raise their moral and guide them through those times of holy war. He even urges his boss to come to the Mujahideen himself for the great effect this would have on them. "You can not imagine what they feel in their hearts when your words of praise, support and advise reach them. Imagine if you'd be by their side .. imagine if they got to see you, you them .. if they heard your advise straight from you .. by Allah my great Sheikh, you'd see from them respect and reverence that you've never seen before."

Al Libi concluds his message by stressing the importance of liaising with his senior Sheikh. "In any case, we need to consult you, confer with you, seek guidance in your opinions and fatwas in everything that we may become subjected to .. may Allah raise your rank even higher, protect you, and make you annoy the enemies of the faith even more .. your humble son, Abu Yehya al Libi."