New intelligence has revealed that Hamza bin Laden, son of Osama bin Laden, has assumed leadership of al-Qaida, refuting claims that he was killed in a 2019 US airstrike. Once dubbed the "Crown Prince of Terror," Hamza is now believed to be at the helm of the terror network’s resurgence, overseeing the establishment of new training camps in Afghanistan as al-Qaida rebuilds its ability to launch attacks on Western nations, according to The Times of India citing a Mirror reportage.
A report from the UK’s Mirror suggests that Hamza’s leadership has revitalised the group, which has deepened ties with the Taliban following the latter’s return to power in Afghanistan. His brother, Abdullah bin Laden, is also thought to be involved in al-Qaida’s operations, marking the rise of a new, family-led terror dynasty with a mission to spread global chaos, much like their father before them.
Hamza bin Laden and his four wives are believed to have sought refuge in Iran for several years to avoid CIA detection. Despite previous claims of his death, no DNA confirmation was ever provided. Recent intelligence suggests Hamza is now using safe houses across Afghanistan to facilitate al-Qaida’s operations, moving operatives to and from Iran.
A recent report from the National Mobilisation Front (NMF), an anti-Taliban military alliance, claims that Hamza bin Laden is hiding in northern Afghanistan, guarded by 450 snipers, and is plotting future attacks on Western targets.
This revelation of Hamza’s survival and leadership marks what could be the most significant revival of al-Qaida since the Iraq War. With new training camps reportedly being established in Afghanistan’s Helmand and Ghazni provinces—areas previously fought over by Western forces—experts warn of a potential new wave of terrorist activity. The report states that there could be as many as 21 separate terror networks operating within Afghanistan, making the country the world’s most concentrated terror hotspot.
The presence of these camps, some located in areas formerly occupied by US and British forces, has sparked concerns of a 9/11-style attack. One intelligence analysis seen by the Mirror highlighted the alarming parallels between the current situation and the period leading up to the 9/11 attacks.
According to a United Nations report, cited by TOI, al-Qaida opened eight new training camps across Afghanistan in 2024, including in provinces like Ghazni, Laghman, Parwan, and Helmand. These camps are bolstered by five newly established madrasas—religious schools—in areas such as Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, which serve as recruiting grounds for fresh terror fighters.
Hamza’s pivotal role in this resurgence has reportedly involved regular meetings with senior Taliban leaders to coordinate al-Qaida’s operations. He has also garnered support from Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani network, who is believed to be sheltering Hamza and his family in Afghanistan.
This growing collaboration between the Taliban and al-Qaida poses a significant security risk to the West, particularly with intelligence reports suggesting that the Taliban is enabling al-Qaida operatives to move freely between Afghanistan and Iran, planning attacks with minimal interference.
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