Al-Qaida chief's message spurred embassy closures

Updated: 2013-08-06 06:54

(Agencies)

  Comments() Print Mail Large Medium  Small 分享按钮 0

Al-Qaida chief's message spurred embassy closures

A pedestrian walks past the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv August 5, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] 

WASHINGTON - Two officials say a secret message that was intercepted between al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahri and his deputy in Yemen led to the shutdown of U.S. embassies.

A U.S. intelligence official and a Mideast diplomat said al-Zawahri's message was picked up several weeks ago and appeared to initially target Yemeni interests.

The intelligence official said the message was sent to Nasir al Wuhayshi, the head of the terror network's organization, based in Yemen, that is known as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive issue publicly.

Related

Yemen enhances security over embassies
US extends closure of some embassies
US warning causes embassy closures in Muslim World
Washington plans to close embassies for security reasons