When as-Sahab Media, the propaganda publisher for al-Qaida released the 50 plus minute video entitled “A Quarter of a Century Since 9/11,” remarkably no current leadership figures featured in the release. Indeed, Hamza bin Laden appeared in the video, as did Ayman al-Zawahiri, but Saif al-Adel made no such appearance.

The simplest explanation is that al-Qaida is protecting their commanders from the same fates that have befallen their predecessors. By focusing on archival footage of deceased personnel, a message can be delivered without endangering anyone else. Inevitably though, analysts and readers have postulated the question of whether this insinuates that Hamza bin Laden remains functional and alive. Nothing in the video indicates that Hamza is currently among the living, as he offers no proof of life, and makes no references to any current events. In one portion, Hamza merely discusses a perceived war against Islam, and in another he reads poetry. As-Sahab is comfortable utilizing Hamza in a compatible way to Zawahiri, who we know is actually deceased, displaying them prominently, which may actually provide some evidence for his death. Modern Afghan journalists have noted that the individual’s traditional Afghan attire, as well as the architecture observed in the scene, indicate a conspicuous filming location in Afghanistan¹. The turban is noted to have been fashionable among Taliban commanders to include Mullah Mohamed Omar, and presently his son Mullah Yaqub. Perhaps, prominently portraying Hamza bin Laden in Afghanistan is meant to demonstrate that al-Qaida retains freedom of movement and influence in the nation, and has for some time. Most likely, his appearance, along with that of Zawahiri is meant to enshrine them in the pantheon of al-Qaida stalwarts, and irrevocably link them to the Afghan jihad. MEMRI points out that a Quranic verse recited towards the beginning of the production is a recording of Abu Hajir al-Iraqi (Mamdouh Mahmud Salim) a convicted militant extremist associated with al-Qaida and incarcerated in America². The inclusion of such personalities is important because it may serve to distract from Saif al-Adel and the disreputable relationship he has built with the Iranian government and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Intriguingly, al-Qaida has yet to acknowledge Zawahiri’s death, Hamza bin Laden’s death, or even Saif al-Adel’s assumption of command. This all seems very purposeful.

Further the video can be seen as emphasizing past leadership, galvanizing the current ranks around these renowned figureheads, while pursuing the agenda of current rulers. The video seeks to reestablish the relevancy of al-Qaida by declaring that 9/11 was a transformative event and that the organization helmed a restructuring of international relations and policy. However, the video shifts from being simply an anniversary recording. At least one work authored by Saif al-Adel is profiled and cited, indicating that as-Sahab adheres to his philosophy, is influenced by him, or is directly controlled by him. Thus, al-Qaida is delivering the message and ideology of Saif al-Adel, veiled in the imagery of those long lost and more widely revered figures. As-Sahab is benefiting from and exploiting the mythos of previous recognizable al-Qaida commanders in order to maintain legitimacy for the entire organization and perhaps specifically for Saif al-Adel.

The usual parade of al-Qaida references exist in the video, from the Embassy bombings, the USS COLE bombing, and 9/11, but actually begins with imagery from a September 2014 al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) assault at the Karachi naval yard. Indian journalists believe this indicates a strong continued presence of AQIS in the daily operations of central al-Qaida³. A reliance on Pakistani militants for operations and media also provides an explanation as to why these militants would want to focus on the “glory” of Taliban jihad, as opposed to welcoming Iranian influence. The US has shown a willingness to tolerate current Taliban and Haqqani authority, and thus al-Qaida would likely desire to downplay any linkages to a nation with which America is warring, while emphasizing Afghan connections. Saif al-Adel undoubtedly wishes to avoid reminders of his established relations with the Iranians, giving ample reason why as-Sahab would prefer to showcase previous personalities such as Zawahiri and Hamza bin Laden. Al-Qaida might also be taking advantage of the rumors of Hamza’s survival, and purposely avoided declaring him deceased in his portion of the video’s caption. The absence of a “May Allah have mercy upon him” honorific is telling, but does not prove his survival.

CITATIONS:

1. The Image of Hamza bin Laden, by Bismillah Taban, KabulNow, September 13, 2026, https://kabulnow.com/2026/09/the-image-of-hamza-bin-laden/ ↩︎
2. Al-Qaeda Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 With Retrospective Video Glorifying Attacks, GTSC Homeland Security Today via MEMRI, September 14, 2026, https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/counterterrorism/al-qaeda-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-retrospective-video-glorifying-attacks/ ↩︎
3. Qaida releases video of Osama’s son who was reportedly killed in 2019, by Raj Shekhar Jha, September 12, 2026, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/qaida-releases-video-of-osamas-son-who-was-reportedly-killed-in-2019/articleshow/134100611.cms ↩︎