Saif al-Adel

Saif al-Adel, born on April 11, 1960, is a prominent figure in the jihadist movement, known for his extensive involvement with al-Qaeda. Originally a colonel in Egypt's El-Sa'ka Forces during the 1980s, he was expelled from the military in 1987 amid allegations of attempting to rebuild the Egyptian Islamic Jihad and plans to overthrow President Hosni Mubarak. Although the charges were dismissed, al-Adel left Egypt for Afghanistan in 1988, where he joined the Afghan Arab mujahideen under the banner of Maktab al-Khidamat, a precursor to al-Qaeda.

In the early nineties, al-Adel became a key member of al-Qaeda, eventually leading its media department and contributing to the production of videos featuring Osama bin Laden. His military expertise was further recognized as he provided training to al-Qaeda and Egyptian Islamic Jihad members across various regions, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sudan. Notably, he established a training facility in Somalia and was involved in teaching recruits how to handle explosives, potentially influencing participants in the first Battle of Mogadishu in 1993.

Despite his significant role, al-Adel opposed the September 11 attacks, as noted in the 9/11 Commission Report. Following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, he was granted secret asylum in Iran, where he has remained under the watch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In recent years, al-Adel has emerged as a de facto leader of al-Qaeda, tightening his control over its branches while navigating the complexities of his location in Shia-led Iran.

As of 2023, al-Adel is considered one of the few surviving founding members of al-Qaeda, having increased his influence within the organization, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. His strategic maneuvers include attempts to shift al-Qaeda's central command to Yemen, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the jihadist cause while awaiting formal recognition as emir.