The State Department announced on Wednesday that it will pay up to $7 million for information leading to the location and identification of Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi, the leader of al-Qaeda's Islamic Maghreb arm.
Islamic Maghreb, also known as AQIM, is responsible for the abduction and murder of Americans. The group is an important cog in al-Qaeda's regional operation, which remains active 20 years after it orchestrated the 9/11 terror attacks. The $7 million bounty points to the State Department's continued interest in locating those who have helped al-Qaeda remain a top global terror outfit.
Al-Anabi, also known as Yazid Mubarak, is an Algerian citizen who served as AQIM's media chief and in other senior roles with the terror group. AQIM was formally designated as a terror group in March 2002.
"Al-Anabi has pledged allegiance to al-Qa'ida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri on AQIM's behalf and is expected to play a role in al-Qa'ida's global management," said the State Department.
The reward is being offered as part of the State Department's Rewards for Justice Program, which allows individuals across the globe to clandestinely provide information about wanted persons to the American government.