US: USS Cole plotter killed in Yemen: report

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

One of the masterminds behind a deadly attack on a U.S. warship in Yemen more than 18 years ago was killed in that country earlier this week, according to a report published Friday.

Jamel Ahmed Mohammed Ali al-Badawi, an al-Qaeda operative, is believed to have played a central role in the Oct. 12, 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in which 17 American sailors were killed.

U.S. intelligence indicates al-Badawi was killed Tuesday in an airstrike in Ma'rib Governorate, CNN reported, citing an anonymous Trump administration official.

The strike took place when al-Badawi was reportedly driving alone. No collateral damage is currently known.

The al-Qaeda militant had been on the FBI's most wanted terrorist list, and the U.S. had offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.

Al-Badawi had been held in custody by Yemeni authorities, but escaped in April 2003. He was reapprehended in 2004, but escaped in 2006.

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

One of the masterminds behind a deadly attack on a U.S. warship in Yemen more than 18 years ago was killed in that country earlier this week, according to a report published Friday.

Jamel Ahmed Mohammed Ali al-Badawi, an al-Qaeda operative, is believed to have played a central role in the Oct. 12, 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in which 17 American sailors were killed.

U.S. intelligence indicates al-Badawi was killed Tuesday in an airstrike in Ma'rib Governorate, CNN reported, citing an anonymous Trump administration official.

The strike took place when al-Badawi was reportedly driving alone. No collateral damage is currently known.

The al-Qaeda militant had been on the FBI's most wanted terrorist list, and the U.S. had offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.

Al-Badawi had been held in custody by Yemeni authorities, but escaped in April 2003. He was reapprehended in 2004, but escaped in 2006.