Abu Sayyaf New Leader, Khair Mundos

(Manila, Philippines) The al-Qaeda-linked Islamist terror group Abu Sayyaf reportedly has a new leader, Khair Mundus (aka Mundos), who is said to be connected to foreign financial donors in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Mundus has named Puruji Indama as his deputy.

The United States last year offered $500,000 for information leading to the capture or killing of Mundus, who was arrested by Philippine authorities in 2004 but escaped from a local jail in 2007. While in police custody, Mundus confessed to having arranged the transfer of Al-Qaeda funds to an Abu Sayyaf chief to finance bombings and other attacks, according to the US State Department.

Sources say that Abu Sayyaf has been reduced to about 400 members due to U.S.-backed offenses which have killed or captured many of its commanders.

Apparently differing from previous leaders, Khair Mundus is said to be spiritually-motivated, packing the heads of his jello-brained recruits with allahu-akbar-mush when teaching them to make bombs. Nonetheless, the Philippine Armed Forces are undeterred. Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said, “We are not daunted whoever the new Abu Sayyaf leader is. Leaders just come and go."

In any event, the Philippine military contends Abu Sayyaf has "enhanced its bomb-making capabilities and will resort to banditry and terrorism."

On a positive note, prominent Abu Sayyaf leaders customarily have short tenures. Even dense jungle foliage doesn't provide protection for a gigantic "Shoot Me First" bulls-eye. On a negative note, it remains a deeply troubling fact that America's staunch ally Saudi Arabia continues to lead the mix of terrorism bankers worldwide.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.