Osama's son Hamza still alive, planning attacks on West: Experts
New intelligence reports have suggested that Hamza Bin Laden, son of Osama Bin Laden, who was believed to have died in 2019, is alive and has assumed leadership of al-Qaeda. These reports indicate that the terror organization is regrouping under his command and preparing for potential attacks on Western nations. According to the Mirror, the terror group has developed 10 major al-Qaeda terror training camps in Afghanistan and has formed global alliances with other West-hating groups.
Hamza bin Laden's leadership marks Al-Qaeda's potent resurgence
Daily Mail quoting defence experts said that Hamza is leading al-Qaeda toward its most significant resurgence since the Iraq War. His brother, Abdullah, is also allegedly involved with the terror group. Former UK forces chief Col Richard Kemp has warned that Hamza is operating from Afghanistan where he "appears to have an open field" and "will be intent on conquest and vengeance for his father."
Taliban leaders allegedly protecting Al-Qaeda
The intelligence reports also suggest that senior Taliban leaders are actively protecting Hamza and his family, holding regular meetings with him and securing his safety. "These leaders... engage with him, holding regular meetings and securing him and his family. It highlights a deep connection between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, one that is crucial for Western governments to understand," a report seen by the Mirror said.
Fears of another 9/11-Style attack loom
Another report viewed by the British tabloid reveals that approximately 21 terror networks are likely operating in the Taliban-run state. These networks are reportedly training fighters and suicide bombers to execute terror attacks on Western nations, raising concerns of a potential repeat of a 9/11-style attack. Col Kemp reiterated his warning, stating that Hamza "now appears to have an open field in Afghanistan" and is intent on "conquest and vengeance for his father."
Training camps identified across Afghanistan
The training camps for these terror networks are reportedly located in various provinces across Afghanistan, including Helmand, Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, Uruzgan, Zabul, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Badghis and Kunar. Afghan warlord Sirajuddin Haqqani is also believed to be supporting Hamza Bin Laden. A 2022 United Nations report had previously warned that al-Qaeda had found a "safe haven" in Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power.
Hamza believed to have been killed in 2019
Hamza was believed to have been killed in an air strike in 2019. The location and date of death were unclear, and the Pentagon did not comment on the matter either. His father, Osama, was killed by the US special forces in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011. He had approved the 9/11 attacks, in which nearly 3,000 people were killed.
