Zawahiri takes command of al-Qaeda

The right-hand man is apparently now in charge.

An Islamist website says veteran militant Ayman al-Zawahiri has taken command of al-Qaeda after the killing of Osama bin Laden.

This was widely expected, as Egyptian-born Zawahiri was considered to be the brains behind much of al-Qaeda’s strategy.

The 59-year-old is thought to be in hiding along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US is offering a 25 million dollar reward for any information leading to his capture or conviction.

In a statement purported to be from al-Qaeda, the group is vowing to continue targeting the US and its allies, including Israel.

The group also says it supports the uprisings in Arab countries, and has called on people in other nations to rise up against what it calls corruption and injustice imposed by the West.

Earlier this month Zawahiri is also reported to have sworn allegiance to the leader of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

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