Pak terror factories to keep Qaeda potent despite death of no.3 Yazid: Experts

ISLAMABAD - The reported death of Al-Qaeda’s number three in command Mustafa Abu Yazid is certainly a setback for the terrorist organisation, but it would hardly have any effect on the continuing militancy in the region, particularly in Pakistan, experts have said.

Yazid, who is believed to be the financial manager of Al-Qaeda as well as one of the co-founders of the terrorist group, was killed alongwith some family members in a US missile strike in the volatile North Waziristan last month.

Experts believe that though Yazid’s death is being considered as a major victory against the Al-Qaeda, it would have little effect on its objectives, as the banned terror organisation now depends more on the local like-minded militants’ groups in Pakistan.

“If they (Pakistani terror groups) refuse to provide protections or hides to the organization, once perceived as world most dangerous organization, then its leadership couldn’t survive on its own,” Xinhua quoted senior analyst Rahimullah Yousafzai, as saying.

In Pakistan there are Al-Qaeda-supporter groups but the organization itself has little role in militancy in the country, observers believe.

Yousafzai said that the role of Al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan has become very limited as its leadership has been weakened over a period of time, which is evident from the fact that it has failed to launch any attack on the US or anywhere else across the world since the 9/11.

“Al-Qaeda has become financially weak and now they are facing problems due to some sanctions,” he added.

Noted defence analyst Brigadier Mehmood Shah pointed out that in the past the reported deaths of Al-Qaeda’s top commanders such as Al-libi, neither transformed into any major success against the terror group nor it reduced militancy in the region.

Shah, however, disagreed with the notion that Al-Qaeda has weakened financially, saying local militants are continuing their activities to generate funds. (ANI)