Death of al-Yazid would be a blow to al-Qaida

WASHINGTON — The death of Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, an Egyptian who is believed to act as the terrorist network's operational leader, would be the latest blow to al-Qaida, which has suffered a steady degradation of its leadership and ability to mount attacks since the U.S. stepped up its campaign of missile strikes by unmanned aircraft in Pakistan's tribal region.

Al-Qaida's third-ranking leader — a close associate and relative by marriage to Osama bin Laden — is believed to have been killed in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan's tribal region, U.S. officials said Tuesday.

Some analysts said the militant network has shrugged off similar losses of its top tier leaders and is increasingly relying on new franchises that threaten attacks on the U.S. With offshoots in Yemen, Somalia, North Africa and along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, al-Qaida has become a more fragmented enemy. And, as shown by the Christmas Day airliner attack, its franchises are becoming more independent, more dangerous and equally intent on targeting America.

Thus even as the U.S. eliminates al-Qaida leaders, the terror group is rapidly inspiring new recruits who are just as eager to attack and kill Americans.more..