Al Qaeda tells Syrian branch Nusra Front it can drop links

2^min

Al Qaeda told its Syrian branch, the Nusra Front, that it could break organisational ties with al Qaeda if it needed to in order to preserve its unity and continue its battle in Syria, in an audio statement released on Thursday.

Nusra Front is the most powerful faction in Syria opposing both President Bashar al-Assad and the Islamic State group.

It is listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States and has been sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council, although it frequently fights on the same side as mainstream groups favoured by Washington and its Arab allies.

"You can sacrifice without hesitation these organisational and party ties if they conflict with your unity and working as one body," al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri said in an audio statement directed to the Nusra Front.

"The brotherhood of Islam among us is stronger than any organisational affiliation ... your unity and unification is more important to us than any organisational link ... it comes above organisational belonging," Zawahri said.

He said that this organisational affiliation should be sacrificed if it ran counter to the unity of jihadist fighters against their enemies.

Al Qaeda tells Syrian branch Nusra Front it can drop links

Breaking Headlines

Al Qaeda

Nusra Front

Syria

Putin says any Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets

Putin says any Western troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets

Lebanon paves the way for Pope Leo XIV visit, roads and sites prepared nationwide

Lebanon paves the way for Pope Leo XIV visit, roads and sites prepared nationwide

Heavy rains flood streets across Lebanon, disrupting traffic—Videos

Heavy rains flood streets across Lebanon, disrupting traffic—Videos

Organizing committee reveals details of Papal visit: Tight security measures and guidance for attendees

Organizing committee reveals details of Papal visit: Tight security measures and guidance for attendees

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Meet Miss Lebanon 2025 contestants: Video

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Series of Israeli airstrikes spark massive fire in southern Lebanon

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

Lunar eclipse captivates Lebanon: watch the stunning video

FIFA President Gianni Infantino tells LBCI: Proud to receive Lebanese citizenship and support a new stadium for the national team

FIFA President Gianni Infantino tells LBCI: Proud to receive Lebanese citizenship and support a new stadium for the national team

Trump congratulates President Aoun on Independence Day: Praises government’s bold decisions, looks to deepen bilateral partnership

Trump congratulates President Aoun on Independence Day: Praises government’s bold decisions, looks to deepen bilateral partnership

Organizing committee reveals details of Papal visit: Tight security measures and guidance for attendees

Organizing committee reveals details of Papal visit: Tight security measures and guidance for attendees

Papal visit: Lebanon gears up for historic three-day visit by Pope Leo XIV

Papal visit: Lebanon gears up for historic three-day visit by Pope Leo XIV

Fadel Chaker’s first military court session postponed after minutes of testimony—the details

Fadel Chaker’s first military court session postponed after minutes of testimony—the details

Putin congratulates Lebanon on Independence Day, reaffirms support for sovereignty

Putin congratulates Lebanon on Independence Day, reaffirms support for sovereignty

UN: At least 127 civilians killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since ceasefire

UN: At least 127 civilians killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since ceasefire

Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal discuss regional developments with UN official, military cooperation with Indonesia

Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal discuss regional developments with UN official, military cooperation with Indonesia