Al Qaeda hint number two Abu Yahya al-Libi is still alive

GlobalPost

Two websites linked to Al Qaeda have said they will soon release a new video featuring the network's deputy leader Abu Yahya Al-Libi, who was reported to have been killed in a US drone attack last week.

AFP reports that messages were posted on Ansar and Alfidaa websites, both suggesting that Libi is still alive.

"Soon, a video message by sheikh Abu Yahya Al-Libi, may Allah protect him," said a note posted on Sunday afternoon.  However, it did not specify when the message was recorded.

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Last week, Washington announced that Libi, Al Qaeda's number two, has been killed in Pakistan on Monday, CNN explains.  The death was described by White House spokesman Jay Carney as "another serious blow to core Al Qaeda."

Libi whose real name is Mohamed Hassan Qaid, is thought to be in his late 40s, a Libyan citizen, and second only to Ayman al-Zawahiri in Al Qaeda's hierarchy, according to the ABC.

Reuters says that Libi escaped from U.S. custody in Afghanistan in 2005 and was prematurely reported as being killed by a US drone at least once before.

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