New Osama bin Laden surfaces in Yemen

WESTERN leaders wondering who will be the new al-Qaeda leader need look no further than Anwar al-Awlaki.

He is no wild man from the hills but an intellectual preacher, using the internet to spread his message of hate and combining his ability to persuade with bomb-making skills.

His relative youth is also an advantage. Many older men who fought alongside Bin Laden are worn out by the struggle.

Yemen-based Anwar al-Awlaki - tipped as Osama Bin Laden's successor - urged a Mumbai-style massacre after being duped by a Sun sting.

An al-Qaeda warlord outlined a plan to blitz Britain in an email sent to an undercover Sun investigator.

British security services were last night studying The Sun's dossier on his drive to recruit fanatics in the UK over the internet.

Posing as a lone Muslim extremist named Q Khan, reporters from The Sun emailed Osama Bin Laden's successor and received detailed instruction on performing terrorism in the United Kingdom.

The Sun unearthed the Al Qaeda leader's email address in hidden material on an extremist inspired website and asked how to build and use a pipe bomb. The reporters wrote:

Sheikh Anwar, the brothers and I need some help with a query about the pipe devices. We've had enough of talking and want to take things into our own hands as regards the situation towards the haters of the Prophet.

A lot of us are suspicious about some goings on at the local masjid (mosque) and a potential Scotland Yard informer.

We are resolved to go it alone. Should we be planning to go all at once, or should one follow the other in a series of operations? Your advice will be most graciously received.

Here's Awlaki's reply:

We ask Allah to give you the strength and steadfastness to serve His religion. If you are a group of brothers who trust each other then you may work together. Otherwise we advise you to work alone. In case you decide to work together then it is definitely better to go all at once.

The options that you have for operations could be pipe bombs, assassinations or using a firearm at a location crowded with enemies.

We would also suggest that if you have decided to go ahead do not contact us because this may bring surveillance on you.

However, right before you start your operation you may send us a message informing us of the operation without mentioning the details. This is of course if you want us to sponsor the operation.

The Sun has passed on their dossier to security services and investigations are continuing.