Pakistani officials say they have no confirmation that a senior Al-Qaeda figure was killed in a recent drone strike in the northwestern tribal region, as reported by U.S. officials.
Two U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonimity on September 15 said that Abu Hafs al-Shahri was targeted in a recent drone strike. The U.S. officials said al-Shahri, a Saudi national, coordinated anti-U.S. attacks in the region and worked closely with the Taliban in Pakistan.
He was considered a possible successor to Al-Qaeda's number two Atiyah Abdul Rahman, who was killed in August.
Pakistani officials had earlier said that at least three suspected militants, including one foreigner, were killed in a drone strike on September 11. But Pakistani military spokesman Athar Abbas today said the military had no confirmation Shahri was among those killed.
compiled from Reuters reports
Two U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonimity on September 15 said that Abu Hafs al-Shahri was targeted in a recent drone strike. The U.S. officials said al-Shahri, a Saudi national, coordinated anti-U.S. attacks in the region and worked closely with the Taliban in Pakistan.
He was considered a possible successor to Al-Qaeda's number two Atiyah Abdul Rahman, who was killed in August.
Pakistani officials had earlier said that at least three suspected militants, including one foreigner, were killed in a drone strike on September 11. But Pakistani military spokesman Athar Abbas today said the military had no confirmation Shahri was among those killed.
compiled from Reuters reports
