Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Al Qaeda Leader Dies in Battle With Hamas

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 15, 2009 9:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hamas launched a raid on an al-Qaeda splinter group's mosque stronghold today, leaving at least 22 dead, including the group’s leader, and around 120 people injured, Reuters reports. The extremist Jund Ansar Allah, or Warriors of God, had provoked Hamas by declaring the establishment of an Islamic “emirate” in Gaza, first in a sermon Friday and then on their Web site.

The group’s leader, Abdel-Latif Moussa, died in an explosion—a Hamas spokesman says he and an aide blew themselves up after killing a negotiator. Hamas also accused the group of “terrorizing the country and attacking civilians.” The battle was the worst inter-Palestinian conflict in 2 years, with six Hamas policemen, six civilians and three children among the dead.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

Amember of the militant Islamic group Jund Ansar Allah stands guard while his leader Abdel-Latif Moussa, not pictured, gives a speech during Friday prayers in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/ File)

Members of a militant Islamic group Jund Ansar Allah, stand guard as their leader Abdel-Latif Moussa, right, speaks during Friday prayers in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/STR)

In this Aug. 14, 2009 file photo Abdel-Latif Moussa, the leader of Jund Ansar Allah, or the Soldiers of the Companions of God, speaks during Friday prayers in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/File)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I think its main aim was to send a message to the West that it can suppress and abort any possible advance for the more radical groups. Hamas wanted to say that it is an Islamist faction but a moderate one. - Hani Habib, Palestinian political analyst

We hold Jund Ansar Allah and Moussa responsible for what happened because of his rash declaration of an emirate - Taher al-Nono, spokesman for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Radical Cleric Abu Qatada Freed From UK Prison

British officials call him a threat to national security

(AP) - Abu Qatada, a radical Muslim cleric whom British officials say is an al-Qaeda figurehead and a threat to national security, was freed from an English prison into virtual house arrest late today, British media reported. Judicial officials acknowledged earlier in the day that the 51-year-old extremist preacher's release from Long Lartin jail was imminent, but declined to comment on the reports from the BBC and Sky News , citing operational concerns. More»

Bin Laden 'Right-Hand Man' Set for Release in Britain

Abu Qatada to face 22-hour curfew in London

(NEWSER) - A radical cleric described as Osama bin Laden's "right-hand man" in Europe is set for immediate release from a British maximum security prison. Abu Qatada will be housebound for 22 hours a day in London, where he'll wear an electronic tag and face stringent rules on phone and Internet use, the Guardian reports. Bail terms allow Qatada full access to his family, though they will prevent him from taking his youngest child to school, notes the Telegraph . More»

Bin Laden Told Kids: Move to US or Europe

Pakistan is holding them in security compound for now

(NEWSER) - Osama bin Laden advised his children against a life of terror, according to one of his brothers-in-law. "He told his own children and grandchildren, go to Europe and America and get a good education," says Zakara al-Sadah, whose sister was the al-Qaeda chief's fifth wife. For now, Sadah claims, Pakistani authorities are holding nine bin Laden children and three wives—including Sadah's sister—in an Islamabad security compound against their will, reports the Daily Mail via The Sunday Times . More»

Al-Qaeda: Help Syria Boot Assad

Al-Zawahri confirms terror group seeking to turn tide in Syrian uprising

(AP) - Al-Qaeda's chief has called on Muslims from other countries to support rebels in Syria seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, saying they cannot depend on the West for help. Ayman al-Zawahri, in a videotaped statement released late yesterday, asked Muslims in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey to join the uprising against Assad's "pernicious, cancerous regime." All four states border Syria. The statement confirms Assad's claims and US suspicions that the terror group has had a hand in the 11-month uprising. More»

US Suspects al-Qaeda Behind Syria Bombings

Group may be looking to exploit the chaos

(NEWSER) - Al-Qaeda's Iraq branch is moving into the chaos in Syria, and is responsible for two recent bombings and most likely yesterday's bombing in Aleppo , US officials tell McClatchy . Intelligence reports seem to back up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad assertions—disputed by the opposition—that al-Qaeda has been involved in the 11-month uprising. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website