Experts believe that Hamza bin Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden, is alive and leading al-Qaeda, despite reports of his death in 2019.
Hamza, known as the “Crown Prince of Terror” is thought to be secretly commanding the terrorist network, alongside his brother Abdullah, UK Mirror reports.
Intelligence suggests that the brothers have established a militant dynasty, with 10 major terror training camps in Afghanistan and connections to other global extremist groups.
Hamza, 34, is reportedly based in Jalalabad, a known terrorist hub east of Kabul.
This development raises concerns about the continuation of Osama bin Laden’s legacy and the potential for further violence and terrorism.
“Hamza bin Laden is not only alive but actively involved in al-Qaeda’s resurgence, a fact well-known among senior Taliban leaders. These leaders engage with him, holding regular meetings and securing him and his family.
“It highlights a deep connection between al-Qaeda and the Taliban, one that is crucial for Western governments to understand. [Hamza] has ascended to the leadership of al-Qaeda, steering [it] towards its most potent resurgence since the Iraq War,” a report seen by the Mirror stated.
“Under his command, al-Qaeda is regrouping and preparing for future attacks on Western targets. Hamza is driven by a powerful determination to continue the legacy of his father, which adds a symbolic and strategic weight to his actions. Moreover, Hamza’s brother, Abdullah bin Laden, plays a critical role in this revival.”
Another report says the camps train fighters and suicide bombers, and teach them how to slip out of Afghanistan to launch threats against Western targets. It is thought up to 21 terror networks are operating in Afghanistan, turning the country into the world’s biggest terror hot spot.
The latest assessments say al-Qaeda is working with Islamic State, sparking growing fears of another 9/11-style attack on the West.
Another intelligence analysis document seen by the Mirror warns: “The parallels between the current situation and the prelude to the 9/11 attacks are alarming. The lack of a legitimate government and the ideological alignment between the ruling Taliban regime and these groups has turned Afghanistan into a haven for extremism. Terrorists from outside flock to the country for training.”
It is believed too that al-Qaeda and ISK, the regional Islamic State franchise, are not just co-existing but actively collaborating, with inter-marriages among members. This is creating a unified and formidable terrorist network. This mirrors the alliances formed by key terrorist leaders in the past and underscores the growing danger.”
It is believed that Hamza and his four wives have sheltered in Iran for several years to hide from the CIA. In 2019 the then US President Donald Trump claimed he had ordered a successful hit on Hamza in an airstrike believed to be in Ghazni Province in south east Afghanistan. No DNA proof was acquired by the CIA.
In 2022, Ayman al-Zawahiri – an Egyptian who led al-Qaeda after Bin Laden senior was killed by the US in 2011 in Pakistan – was killed by a CIA missile in Kabul.
It is believed Hamza and al-Qaeda’s de facto leader Saif al-Adel use safe houses in Afghanistan. The boltholes in Kandahar, Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, Herat and Helmand enable al-Qaeda members to travel to and from Iran, according to the analysis seen by the Mirror.
The report adds: “The resurgence and stronger ties between the Taliban and AQ and the establishment of its training camps in Afghanistan represent a profound threat to the West.” It says the camps teach that martyrdom is the highest achievement which motivates “many recruits to volunteer for suicide operations”.
One camp is thought to be in Helmand Province, where UK troops were based while fighting the Taliban. The other nine al-Qaeda teaching barracks are in Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, Uruzgan, Zabul, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Badghis and Kunar. Sources say the growth of these camps represents a particular threat to nations such as the US and Britain because of their involvement there. The Taliban retook Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul in 2021.
The analysis, by Western intelligence experts, says: “The Taliban, despite their assurances to the West, have maintained and cultivated closer ties with AQ and others, providing the group with a relatively safe haven to regroup and rebuild. Although it was initially believed Hamza bin Laden was killed… recent information has surfaced indicating that he survived the strike.”
It is thought that while in hiding Hamza has been helped by terror boss Sirajuddin Haqqani, who runs crime family the Haqqani network, dubbed the Sopranos of Afghanistan. It is believed Hamza’s fourth wife is one of the Haqqani family daughters.