Mustafa Abu al-Yazid’s first appearance in an al-Qaeda video came on May 25, 2007, when as-Sahab released a 42:24 minute video interview with him. The video displayed Yazid seated alone, with an off-camera interviewer. Interview questions touched upon a variety of topics concerning the state of jihad and issues such as the row between Hamas and al-Qaeda over the Palestinian; the Muslim Brotherhood and al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya in Egypt; the perception of al-Qaeda as a weakened organization post-September 11th; the arrest of Yazid’s predecessor Abdul Hadi al-Iraqi in Turkey; and the importance of unity for the mujahideen.
Asked about the state of al-Qaeda and the contention that the group is unable to carry out attacks on the scale of September 11th or establish large training camps, Yazid answered that al-Qaeda’s purpose was to embroil the United State in a war of attrition outside its borders. He contended that such fronts had been opened such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Algeria, and Somalia, adding that al-Qaeda had succeeded in the “globalization of the concept of Jihad that they had aspired”.
July 16, 2007: “The Winds of Paradise”
As-Sahab released on July 14, 2007 its first “The Winds of Paradise” video, a series glorifying slain fighters in Afghanistan. The series features al-Qaeda leaders praising martyrdom and brief biographies of individual martyrs created by their friends and fellow mujahideen. In the video, Yazid addressed Muslims, stating that the Islamic heroes have made their way to Afghanistan, and reiterating Afghanistan’s status as a land of jihad. His contribution appears to have been recorded specifically for the video.
October 3, 2007: “The Truth of Belief”
Yazid called for support for the Afghan Taliban and declared that al-Qaeda in Afghanistan had accomplished a series of victories against enemy forces in an audio message release by as-Sahab on October 3, 2007. The speech, entitled, “The Truth of Belief,” is spoken in Arabic; however, a Pashto language track giving a translation of the speech muffled Yazid’s. The dubbing indicates that the speech was directed at Pashtuns, and in this way, “The Truth of Belief” predicts many of Yazid’s later videos expressly targeted at non-Arabic-speaking populations.
In the speech, Yazid argued that faith in Allah is the primary means for a Muslim to secure victory against their enemy. Yazid encouraged his listeners to jihad, arguing that all Muslims must participate in the struggle to defeat the U.S.-led and Afghani forces. Scholars of Islam are instructed to incite others to jihad and to physically engage themselves in fighting. Urging support for Afghanistan, where the Taliban and Mujahideen are surrounded by enemies, Yazid declared:
“In every corner of the world, Muslims should be concerned about Afghani Muslims and help them. Every Muslim who has the feeling of sacrifice in his heart should come forward and fight for the independence of Afghanistan.”
September 19, 2007: “The Power of Truth”
In commemoration of the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, on September 19, 2007, as-Sahab released a documentary-style production focusing on the war on terror. Yazid appeared in the video sitting outdoors next to Mullah Mansour Dadullah, a former Afghan Taliban field commander. Yazid explained that the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11 drew al-Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban closer. In response to a question from an individual off-camera about the relationship between the two groups, Yazid said:
| By the grace of Allah, the strong ties between the brothers who have emigrated from all over the world have become stronger. The ties between the brothers in al-Qaeda and brothers in the Taliban have increased. The affection between them has increased.” | ||
January 28, 2008: “Winds of Paradise 2”
As-Sahab released the second entry in its “Winds of Paradise” video series on January 27, 2008. The video featured clips of attacks and footage of al-Qaeda leaders Abu Yahya al-Libi and Yazid. Yazid praised the martyrs for renouncing the pleasures of life in the developed word for jihad in Afghanistan, stating:
| “These are our martyrs who went on their path in the blessed land of Afghanistan, the land of Jihad and preparation, and the school of heroism, land of defiance... They prepared themselves with diligent work, and in the training camps and on the front they were good soldiers and Mujahideen. The world came to them with its temptations but they ignored it because they knew heaven offered better.” | ||
February 5, 2008: "Light and Fire: An Announcement to the Ummah"
Yazid presented a eulogy for Abu Laith Al-Libi, a senior al-Qaeda commander killed in Pakistan, in a video released by as-Sahab on February 5, 2009. The speech praised Abu Laith for his “martyrdom” and assured Muslims that jihad will continue unabated with the loss of commanders. Light, according to Yazid, is the death of Abu Laith and the illumination of the path of jihad; fire, is that force ignited in the mujahideen to burn the “enemies of Allah” in revenge. He stated:
| “For the death of these heroes does not and will not end the path of Jihad or smother it and cover its light like the enemies delude themselves into thinking; instead in truth it will push the journey forward, and give more strength and steadfastness and eagerness.” | ||
March 6, 2008: “They Lied… Now the Fight Has Come”
As-Sahab released on March 6, 2008, an audio message from Yazid calling to sections of Muslim society, including parents and scholars, to not deter Muslim youth from jihad, and urging doctors and electrical engineers to join the ranks of the mujahideen and provide their expertise. He spoke of the benefits in the hereafter a mujahid receives when dying as a “martyr,” and warned that those Muslims who do not support jihad when doing so is an obligation will be punished by God.
| “They Lied…Now the Fight Has Come” is one of the first messages from Yazid that conveys specific al-Qaeda needs and requests for certain types of material support to their followers. | ||
May 11, 2008: “Statement about the Martyrdom of Sheikh Suleiman al-Oteibi”
In a written message released on May 11, 2008, Yazid announced the martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Suleiman al-Oteibi in Paktia province, Afghanistan. Before fighting in Afghanistan, Abu Suleiman was a Shariah Court judge in the Islamic State of Iraq until August 2007. According to the message, Abu Suleiman left from Iraq to Afghanistan six months prior to his death. The message noted that Abu Suleiman and another mujahid, Abu Dajana al-Qahtani, were killed during a confrontation with enemy forces.
July 8, 2008: “Jihad and Martyrdom”
Yazid joined a number of al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan in an as-Sahab video released on July 8, 2008, eulogizing a fallen al-Qaeda in Afghanistan leader Abu al-Hazan al-Saeedi. The video, titled, “Jihad and Martyrdom”, contained English-subtitles for Arabic language portions, and featured eulogies and reflections for Abu al-Hasan from al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan. These leaders include Mustafa Abu al-Yazid and two other individuals not shown previously in as-Sahab productions: Khalil Habib, head of military operations, and Abu Khalil al-Madani, a member of al-Qaeda’s Shura Council. A biography of Abu al-Hasan was previously published by al-Fajr Media Center.
July 14, 2008: Report of the Death of the Commander, Abu Abdullah al-Shami, and a Group of His Brothers, May Allah Have Mercy Upon Them
Abu Abdullah al-Shami, an escapee from Bagram prison and commander in Afghanistan, was announced as a martyr by al-Qaeda in a July 14, 2008 communiqué signed by Yazid. The message was released on July 31, 2008. According to the eulogy, Abu Abdullah was one of four escapees from Bagram prison in July 2005, along with Abu Yahya al-Libi, Abu Nasser al-Qahtani, and Omar al-Farouq. The communiqué indicated that Abu Abdullah and a group of mujahideen were killed in a US air strike, but the date and location of the strike were unspecified. Yazid stressed Abu Abdullah’s passion for jihad and martyrdom, and notes that after he broke from prison, the commander demonstrated greater ardency, persistence and pride in his jihad.
August 2, 2008: Statement Regarding the Martyrdom of a Group of Heroes, Including Sheikh Abu Khabab al-Masri, May Allah Have Mercy on Them
Al-Qaeda announced the “martyrdom” of Abu Khabab al-Masri, an explosives and poisons expert, and the “martyrdom” of three other individuals and children in a communiqué released on August 2, 2008. As with previous martyrdom statements from al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, the message, dated July 30, was signed by Yazid. Abu Khabab (AKA Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar) operated a training camp in Derunta, Afghanistan, and distributed training manuals that contain instruction for making chemical and biological weapons. According to reports, Abu Khabab and five other individuals were killed in a missile strike in South Waziristan on July 28. The communiqué does not indicate the date, location, or how Abu Khabab and the others – Sheikh al-Murabbi Muhammad Ibrahim bin Abu al-Faraj al-Masri, Abdul Wahhab al-Masri, Abu Islam al-Masri, and some children – were killed.
September 4, 2008: “The Word is the Word of the Swords 1, The Raid of the Muezzin, Abu Ghareeb al-Makki, Kamaal Saleem Atiyyah al-Fudli al-Hadhli”
A suicide bomber involved in the June 2, 2008 attack on the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, was profiled in a video from as-Sahab that was released September 4, 2008. The video, featuring al-Yazid, was styled as a documentary profiling the suicide bomber, his motivation for his action, and the circumstances about the insult to the Prophet Muhammad and Islam by Denmark through the cartoons. In the video, Yazid threatened that the suicide bombing was only the first of upcoming attacks against Western states who “insult, mock, and defame” the Prophet Muhammad. Yazid also used the video to call upon Muslim youth living in the West to “retaliate” on behalf of their Prophet:
| “We have warned previously – and we warn once more – the Crusader states which insult, mock and defame our Prophet and Quran in their media and occupy our lands, steal our treasure, and kill our brothers … what you have seen and experienced in the Danish embassy and prior operations is but the beginning, God willing, if you don’t end your errant ways and aggression. | ||
And we call on the Muslim youth in the West…to fear Allah and retaliate on behalf of their Nabi [Prophet], their Quran, their Deen [faith] and their Ummah against the enemies of Islam and Muslims in whose midst they live.”
September 19, 2008: “Results of 7 Years of the Crusades”
Yazid was featured in Al-Qaeda’s video commemorating the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The video, “Results of 7 Years of the Crusades” was released by as-Sahab on September 19, 2008. Reviewing events from the wake of September 11, 2001, the video and featured speeches from Yazid as well as al-Qaeda leaders Ayman al-Zawahiri, Yahya al-Libi, and Attiya Allah, who had never previously appeared as-Sahab productions. To incite Muslims for jihad, the will of 9/11 hijacker Ahmed al-Ghamdi is included. Yazid’s segment featured an update on the mujahideen’s control of Afghanistan, noting specifically their 40% increase in operations from 2007 to 2008.
October 7, 2008: “Meanings of Piety and Patience”
Yazid contributed an article, “Meanings of Piety and Patience” to the twelfth issue of Vanguards of Kharasan. Vanguards of Kharasan is a periodic electronic magazine concerning jihad and mujahideen in Afghanistan issued by al-Fajr Media Center. The twelfth issue, released on October 3, 2008, contained eighteen articles: two composed by al-Qaeda leaders Mustafa Abu al-Yazid and Abu Yahya al-Libi, one by al-Qaeda ideologue Attiya Allah, and another by Abu al-Walid al-Ansari, who authored the introduction to Fajr’s 350-page book of 120 martyrs.
“Meanings of Piety and Patience” focused on the importance of unity amongst the mujahideen, a frequent subject of Yazid’s videos and written messages. In the article, Yazid claimed that unity is a duty made incumbent upon Muslims in the Qur’an and an obligation due to circumstances in war. In particular, he stressed to mujahideen that they must not constitute a new group when one already exists in their area. Mujahideen must obey their commanders, and commanders in turn must be just to their soldiers. However, he instructs that commanders must expel those who sow enmity amongst Muslims.
Yazid wrote:
| “It is not in their interest that they work separately so the ranks of the mujahideen and Muslims become divided and their power weakens. And it is not wise, reasonable, or good management [to be divided] while we face heavily armed enemies, equipped with long-term planning, who have disagreed over all things but fighting Islam and the mujahideen.” | ||
November 14, 2008: GIMF Provides Geo TV Interview with al-Qaeda Leader
The Global Islamic Media Front (GIMF) issued Arabic and English transcripts and subtitled videos for a 9-minute and 28 second interview conducted by Pakistani Geo TV with Mustafa Abu al-Yazid. The interview was broadcast on Geo TV on July 22, 2008, and distributed by GIMF to jihadist forums on November 14, 2008.
Questions presented during the interview regard al-Qaeda’s position relative to the United States and its citizens, the planning behind the September 11, 2001 attacks, and invitations to remark on other events such as the suicide bombing near the Danish Embassy in Islamabad on June 2, 2008. During the dialogue, Yazid commented “with regret” that the Pakistani government, through Pervez Musharraf, inflicted the most damage to the mujahideen by arresting and torturing them, and delivering them to the US. In response to a question asking whether al-Qaeda received assistance from the Tribal Areas, Yazid affirmed the aid while noting that this assistance is a duty imposed upon them by Islam.
March 26, 2009: "A Message to the People of Pakistan"
Yazid called Pakistani Muslims to jihad and threatened India in a video produced by as-Sahab and released on March 26, 2009. As-Sahab released two versions: an Arabic-only version that is 28 minutes, 19 seconds in length, and a version containing an Urdu audio track and extended introduction of highlights that is 30 minutes, 16 seconds in length. The production date, Safar 1430H, corresponds approximately to February 2009.
Jihad, Yazid declared, is a duty incumbent upon every Pakistani Muslim. He called upon the Muslims of Pakistan to rise against the Pakistani government and to join the mujahideen and provide them support. Additionally, Yazid threatened India, warning that its continued aggression against Muslims in Pakistan will not be tolerated, and mujahideen will deploy to strike its economic interests. Finally, Yazid addressed a message to Muslims in Gaza, extending condolences for their losses amidst the Israeli offensive. Yazid explained the lack of material al-Qaeda support by claiming that the mujahideen are unable to cross the borders to provide direct support to Palestinians.
June 10, 2009: “Advice to the Turkish People”
In an audio message released by Taifetul Mansura on June 10, 2009, Yazid asked Turkish Muslims to contribute financial donations to mujahideen in Afghanistan. Yazid called upon Turkish Muslims to consider themselves as part of a greater community and to embrace Muslims all over the world, including those on the battlefield. From that basis of brotherhood and compassion to all Muslims, Yazid urged Turkish Muslims to contribute money to the mujahideen in Afghanistan. He also announced to Turkish Muslims that many of their countrymen have been “martyred” in Afghanistan, and this is to be considered an “honor” for them.
The production date of the speech is unspecified, but Yazid refers to George W. Bush as saying that past months in Afghanistan were amongst the toughest of days, indicating that it may have been recorded prior to Barack Obama taking office in January 2009.
23 June 2009: Al-Jazeera Interviews al-Qaeda Leader in Afghanistan
Mustafa Abu al-Yazid met with al-Jazeera correspondent Ahmed Zaidan for an interview that was broadcast on June 21, 2009. The 43-minute segment was digitally recorded and distributed by members of jihadist forums. The video depicts Yazid and Zaidan talking with each other outdoors while several armed fighters are positioned on rocks in the background. The interview, recorded in May 2009, touched upon many topics concerning the global jihad, including fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Yemen; and other issues such as al-Qaeda strategy against the US and other foes; the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan; position to Iran; and the financial need of al-Qaeda.
In Afghanistan, Yazid reported that al-Qaeda enjoys cooperation with the Taliban, training their fighters and coordinating attacks against foreign forces such as suicide bombings in Kabul and Khost. Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan frequently consults with the Taliban, and according to Yazid, receives messages with Taliban leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. Yazid claims that al-Qaeda in Afghanistan is able to communicate with Mullah Omar and that they maintain “constant” communication with Usama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, keeping the al-Qaeda leaders abreast of developments in jihad. He asserted that both leaders are safe, and their location is unknown.
On the issue of Pakistan and military activity in the tribal regions, Swat Valley in particular, Yazid denied that al-Qaeda is pushing the country towards collapse, but is rather part of its defense and the defense of its Islamic character. He argued that through its army, the Pakistani government seeks to impose English law on Pakistani Muslims, and began the fighting in the tribal regions, but will ultimately be defeated. Yazid predicted that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons will not be taken by the US, but instead will be gathered by the mujahideen for use against America.
July 13, 2009: “Patience on the Fields of Jihad, Battle, and Garrison”
Al-Yazid contributed an article, titled “Patience on the Fields of Jihad, Battle, and Garrison” to the fourteenth issue of Vanguards of Khorasan. The 96-page issue was provided by al-Fajr Media Center on jihadist forums on July 12, 2009. Several of the 20 articles in the issue were written by prominent al-Qaeda leaders and ideologues, including al-Yazid, Abu Yahya al-Libi, and Attiya Allah. Amongst the articles is an Arabic translation of excerpts from a book by Marc Sageman, entitled, “Leaderless Jihad,” which includes commentary from Attiya Allah.
September 7, 2009: Yazid Clarifies Position on Hamas
In a message released on September 7, 2009, Yazid clarified a comment he made regarding Hamas in an interview with al-Jazeera correspondent Ahmed Zaidan. During that interview, when asked if al-Qaeda only compliments its fighters and not those of other organizations, Yazid commented that al-Qaeda supports all the “honest mujahideen” in Palestinian Territories, even those of Hamas, as they share one thought and method. Yazid’s September message stated that this comment is inaccurate and is akin to a “slip of tongue in an improvised interview.” He clarified that he meant to distinguish between Hamas’ political leaders and its “honest” and “good” mujahideen, who are a minority in the movement.
September 30, 2009: “Condolences and Congratulations to the Islamic Ummah on the Martyrdom of the Emir, Baitullah Mehsud, May Allah have Mercy on Him.”
Yazid praised Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) leader Baitullah Mehsud for his participation in and support of jihad in a video eulogy released on September 30, 2009. Yazid particularly lauded Mehsud’s provision of haven to foreign fighters in his tribal area in Waziristan despite the risks and ensuing casualties. He complimented the slain TTP leader as an example other mujahideen should follow due to his defiance against the enemy and his pursuit of mujahideen unity. He also recognized Mehsud as a man of “great ambition,” noting his hearing firsthand of Mehsud’s declaration: “I want to break the pride and arrogance of the Americans and strike them in their own lands.”
November 11, 2009: Al-Qaeda Accuses Blackwater of Peshawar Bombing
In an audio message produced by as-Sahab and released on November 11, 2009, Yazid denied that the mujahideen carried out a suicide car bombing in a market that reportedly killed 117 people, and moreover, could not possibly perpetrate such a “heinous act”. Yazid claimed that Blackwater and foreign forces, who allegedly committed similar acts in Afghanistan and Iraq, carried out the attack so that the mujahideen would be blamed and slandered.
In denying their responsibility for the attack, Yazid told Muslims - particularly those in Pakistan - that the mujahideen take caution to strike the enemy in areas not frequented by civilians, and only targets those security and intelligence forces responsible for bloodshed in Pakistan’s tribal regions. He called upon journalists and writers to expose the “conspiracy” between Blackwater, foreign forces and the Pakistani government, warning them they will be the second target of the enemy if the mujahideen, “the first line of defense,” are defeated.
January 6, 2010: “Statement Regarding the Invasion of Abu Dujana al-Khorasani, may Allah Accept Him, to Penetrate American Fortifications”
Yazid released a written statement to jihadist forums on January 6, 2010 lauding the suicide bombing of a CIA base in Khost, Afghanistan by an alleged Jordanian double-agent, Abu Dujana al-Khorasani. “Abu Dujana” is the nom de guerre of Dr. Humam Khalil Muhammad Abu Mulal who reportedly detonated explosives smuggled in on his person at a CIA base after being invited to act as an informant. The December 30, 2009 attack killed seven agents. Yazid’s statement called the attack a “successful epic” to penetrate both the American and Jordanian intelligence. His commentary added:
| “Your brothers will continue the march on your path and they will not rest and their populace will not part with the populace of the Americans till they inflict upon them the greatest and most astonishing deaths and wounds, with permission from Allah.” | ||
March 1, 2010: The Credit of Seeking Allah’s Mercy and How to Obtain It
Yazid contributed “The Credit of Seeking Allah’s Mercy and How to Obtain It” to the sixteenth issue of Vanguards of Kharasan, a periodic electronic magazine concerning jihad and mujahideen in Afghanistan. Al-Fajr released the 16th issue to jihadist forums on February 26, 2010
May 4, 2010: Statement of Condolence on the Martyrdom of the Two Emirs, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, may Allah have Mercy on Them”
Mustafa Abu al-Yazid released a statement on behalf of al-Qaeda’s General Command, offering condolences to the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) for the deaths of its top leaders. The statement was posted on jihadist forums on May 4, 2010. Yazid also directed the condolences to the mujahideen in Iraq and around the world, and to all Muslims in general, and reminded them of the necessity of unity. He added that they must “make of the martyrdom of the leaders of jihad a double fuel to increase effort, generosity, and sacrifice…”
June 15, 2010: “He Who Equipped a Raider, Raided”
As-Sahab released a posthumous audio from Yazid urging support of jihad and claiming that the bombing in Pune, India, on February 13, 2010, was carried out by al-Qaeda in Kashmir. The message added that Ilyas Kashmiri leads that group. The audio message, entitled “He Who Equipped a Raider, Raided,” was released on June 15, 2010, almost two weeks after news of Yazid’s death was announced to jihadist forums.
The message heavily focuses on support of jihad by donating money, and urges Muslims to contribute as much as they can. Yazid said of the fighters’ needs:
| “They do not need men as much as they are in need of money, which would allow them to persist in their jihad against the enemies of Allah and inflict as much damage as they can in order to aggravate them.” | ||
In addition to calling for financial contributions, Yazid exhorted Muslims to physically participate in jihad and to offer support, be it in traveling to a battlefield or engaging in media jihad on the internet. Turning to the latter point, media jihad on the internet, he referenced several jihadists- CIA base bomber Humam al-Balawi, as well as Muhammad bin Ali al-Mutlaq and a user identified as “Salil al-Sayuf”- as having “graduated” from the internet.
Yazid justified attacking the US in his call for physical participation, saying:
| “They terrified our people so it is our duty to terrify them. They displaced our children so it is our duty to displace them. They destroyed our homes and households so it is our right to destroy their homes and organizations. They targeted our villages and cities, so we must target their cities and bases.” | ||