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

High troop losses
Updated 24 Dec, 2024

High troop losses

Continuing terror attacks show that our counterterrorism measures need a revamp. Localised IBOs appear to be a sound and available option.
Energy conundrum
24 Dec, 2024

Energy conundrum

THE onset of cold weather in the country has brought with it a familiar woe: a severe shortage of piped gas for...
Positive cricket change
24 Dec, 2024

Positive cricket change

HEADING into their Champions Trophy title defence, Pakistan are hitting the right notes. Mohammad Rizwan’s charges...
Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...