A U.S.-born Islamic cleric linked to attacks by al-Qaida in Yemen on U.S. targets called for Muslims around the world to kill Americans in a new video posted on extremist websites Monday.
Anwar al-Awlaki (April 22, 1971 (age 39) in Las Cruces, New Mexico) is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Yemen, and of Yemeni descent. He is an Islamic lecturer, spiritual leader, and former imam who is reported have inspired Islamic terrorists against the West.
U.S. government officials believe he has become “operational” as a senior talent recruiter, motivator, and participant in planning and training “for al-Qaeda and all of its franchises”.
U.S. President Barack Obama approved the targeted killing of al-Awlaki by April 2010, making al-Awlaki the first U.S. citizen ever placed on the CIA target list.
In May 2010, Faisal Shahzad, who pleaded guilty to the 2010 Times Square car bombing attempt, told interrogators he was “inspired by” al-Awlaki, and sources said Shahzad had made contact with al-Awlaki over the Internet.
After the Fort Hood shooting, al-Awlaki praised Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan’s actions. U.S. intelligence intercepted at least 18 emails between Hasan and al-Awlaki from December 2008 to June 2009, including one in which Hasan wrote: “I can’t wait to join you [in the afterlife].”
See also …
Wikipedia Anwar al-Awlaki