The Transformation and Current Status of Al-Qaeda in the 25 Years Since 9/11
The changes Al-Qaeda underwent after the death of its founder Osama bin Laden and its focus on regional structures in Africa and South Asia are examined.
As 25 years pass since the 9/11 attacks, experts are evaluating how Al-Qaeda, established as a global jihadist network, lost its leadership cadre and shifted its strategy to regional branches.
The Founding Process of Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda emerged in the late 1980s under the leadership of Osama bin Laden as a transnational jihadist network. Saudi-born Bin Laden provided support to Arab volunteers fighting against the Soviet occupation.
Historical Attacks and Turning Points
The organization organized attacks against US interests long before settling in Afghanistan. In the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, 224 people lost their lives.
9/11 and Leadership Losses
Following the 9/11 attacks and the US invasion of Afghanistan, the organization's base was dismantled. Osama bin Laden was killed by US special forces in Pakistan in 2011, and his successor Ayman al-Zawahiri was targeted in Kabul in 2022.
Global Branches and Current Status
Despite losing its core leadership and facing rivals such as ISIS, the group's ideology has spread globally. Structures such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia, JNIM in the Sahel, and the TTP in Pakistan remain active.