drones, US drones, drone attacks
The comments come as the US has escalated the missile strikes against militants in Pakistan's tribal belt. — Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: A purported al Qaeda leader in Pakistan said the terror network was losing land and fighters amid a US drone strike campaign.

Ustadh Ahmad Farooq's comments were reported late Wednesday by SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks militant propaganda.

The rare admission of weakness comes as the US has escalated the missile strikes against militants in Pakistan's tribal belt.

US President Barack Obama said this week al Qaeda faces more pressure in Pakistan than any point since the September 11 attacks.

SITE described Farooq as al Qaeda's Pakistan media chief. It said he spoke of challenges facing al Qaeda in an audio lecture to extremist forums earlier in January, urging followers to keep faith in God during crises.

The recording's authenticity could not be independently verified.

Opinion

Editorial

The challenge before banks
Updated 27 Feb, 2025

The challenge before banks

The way we do banking today will not exist in next 10 years, only those will survive who are capable of adopting new technologies.
Torkham tension
27 Feb, 2025

Torkham tension

CONTROVERSY over demarcation of the common frontier is one of the key obstacles standing in the way of better...
Weak link
27 Feb, 2025

Weak link

KARACHI — economic powerhouse, cultural melting pot, and bustling metropolis of over 20m souls. There is much that...
Forgotten inmates
Updated 26 Feb, 2025

Forgotten inmates

Diversion programmes are needed for minor offences and people with psychosocial disabilities should receive treatment rather than be jailed.
Controlling crypto
26 Feb, 2025

Controlling crypto

THOUGH Pakistan’s official position on cryptocurrencies has evolved considerably over the years, there still seems...
Deadly roads
26 Feb, 2025

Deadly roads

DRIVING in Karachi can be hazardous, with chaos on the roads, and very little by way of following rules and...