Hamza bin Laden, son of Osama bin Laden, has reportedly risen to a leading role within the al-Qaeda network, according to experts and intelligence reports. Although believed to have been killed in a 2019 CIA airstrike, evidence now suggests that Hamza survived and is actively steering the group toward resurgence. Alongside his brother Abdullah, Hamza appears to be at the helm of a new militant dynasty, fueling fears of a renewed global terror threat.
Hamza, often called the “Crown Prince of Terror,” is believed to be based in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, about 100 miles east of Kabul. He operates in close cooperation with senior Taliban leaders, who provide him with protection and resources, according to a report seen by The Mirror. This alliance between al-Qaeda and the Taliban remains strong, posing a challenge for Western governments. One intelligence report underscores this by stating, “Hamza bin Laden is not only alive but actively involved in al-Qaeda’s resurgence, a fact well-known among senior Taliban leaders.”
Under Hamza’s leadership, al-Qaeda has reportedly reestablished terror training camps across Afghanistan. These camps are designed to train fighters, including suicide bombers, and help militants evade detection as they carry out their missions. Intelligence analysts estimate that as many as 21 terrorist groups are currently operating in the country, many of them linked to al-Qaeda. The danger of another large-scale attack, similar to 9/11, is becoming increasingly real.
Reports indicate that al-Qaeda is working with the Islamic State’s regional branch, ISK, strengthening their combined forces. “The parallels between the current situation and the prelude to the 9/11 attacks are alarming,” reads an intelligence document, warning that Afghanistan’s unstable political climate has created a breeding ground for extremism. It is believed that al-Qaeda and ISK are not only co-existing but actively collaborating, with marriages between members solidifying these dangerous alliances.
Hamza’s return to power marks a significant revival for al-Qaeda. Despite his supposed death in 2019, no conclusive DNA evidence was recovered to confirm it. He is thought to have spent years in Iran, hiding from U.S. forces. Intelligence reports now suggest that Hamza, alongside al-Qaeda’s current leader Saif al-Adel, uses a network of safe houses in various Afghan provinces to evade capture and direct operations.
The network of al-Qaeda training camps has expanded across several Afghan provinces, including Helmand, Ghazni, and Nangarhar. The growth of these camps represents a direct threat to Western countries, particularly the U.S. and Britain, which have a long history of involvement in the region. The camps, according to intelligence, continue to train militants in martyrdom operations, urging recruits to carry out suicide attacks as a “high honor.”
This resurgence under Hamza bin Laden’s leadership signals that the terror group is far from defeated. His presence within al-Qaeda has become a powerful symbol for new recruits, reminding them of his father’s infamous legacy. The group has made it clear that its goal remains the same—to carry out violent jihad across the globe.
The Taliban, despite earlier claims of distancing themselves from terrorist organizations, appear to be providing al-Qaeda with a secure environment to rebuild. Western intelligence warns that while Hamza’s role was once thought to be over, he has now emerged as a key figure, maintaining close ties with the Haqqani network, a crime family with strong connections to terrorism. In fact, Hamza’s fourth wife is believed to be a member of the Haqqani family.
As al-Qaeda and its affiliates continue to gain strength, the threat of renewed attacks on the West looms larger than ever. The militant group is exploiting Afghanistan’s volatile state, creating a breeding ground for extremism that could have dire global consequences.
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