Abu Hamza Rabia
Egyptian al-Qaeda member (1960–2005)
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Abu Hamza Rabia (/ˈɑːbuː ˈhɑːmzə rəˈbiːə/ ⓘ AH-boo HAHM-zə rə-BEE-ə; c. 1960 – November 30, 2005) was an Egyptian member of al-Qaeda, described in news accounts as a high-ranking leader within the organization's hierarchy. His death in a surprise CIA drone attack was widely reported by media outlets around the world.[1][2][3]
Abu Hamza Rabia | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1960 |
| Died | (aged 45) (approx.) |
Cause of death | U.S. drone strike |
| Allegiance |  Al-Qaeda |
| Known for | Being alleged third-in-command of al-Qaeda |
Conflicts | War on Terror |
According to American intelligence officials, Rabia was al-Qaeda's third in command. Few details have been made available about his background, although CNN reports confirmed his Egyptian origins and indicated that he was in his thirties.[1] He and four other men, two of them also Arabs, were killed in the village of Asoray, near Miranshah, the capital of North Waziristan.[2] His death stirred controversy because it was Pakistani policy that US forces were not allowed in the country.[1][4] Initially US and Pakistani authorities denied that the surprise airstrike was launched from a US Predator drone.
In a subsequent development, the murder of local journalist Hayatullah Khan, whose body was found months after his disappearance, was tied to his investigation into Rabia's death.[5]