A Consequential Killing in Tehran

Waving Iran flag above skyline of Tehran at sunset.

By Norman T. Roule

Norman Roule is a geopolitical and energy consultant who served for 34 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, managing numerous programs relating to Iran and the Middle East. As NIM-I at ODNI, he was responsible for all aspects of national intelligence policy related to Iran, including IC engagement with senior policymakers in the National Security Council and the Department of State.

The killing of Al Qaeda’s second in command reportedly at the hands of Israeli operatives working in Tehran signals a significant reduction among al Qaeda’s founding generation, leaving questions about how the organization will conduct itself in the hands of younger leaders.

While Tehran denies the reports, sources told The New York Times that Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Masri, was killed along with his daughter, widow to Osama bin Laden’s son Hamza bin Laden.

Access all of The Cipher Brief’s national security-focused expert insight by becoming a Cipher Brief Subscriber+ Member.

Sign Up Log In


Related Articles

Search

Close