Thread by @jseldin

#alQaida issues new audio recording of leader Ayman al-Zawahiri - episode 5 in his so-called 'Deal of the Century' lecture series

Per @siteintelgroup the audio runs 44 minutes - accompanied only by a still photo, no video

In the lecture, #alQaida's Zawahiri urges followers to adopt prominent jihadi figures as role models while urging alQaida loyalists not to follow groups like #ISIS, per @siteintelgroup

Intelligence from @UN member states published last month indicated the #alQaida leader is likely in #Afghanistan in "the eastern region from #Zabul Province north towards #Kunar & along the border w/#Pakistan"

https://twitter.com/jseldin/status/1531613440669786112?s=20&t=zGy0TUH-MLskFJBEr16FFQ

The @UN report - based on member state intel assessments - also said "The pace of recent communications suggests that [al-Qaida's Zawahiri] may be able to lead more effectively than was possible before the #Taliban takeover of #Afghanistan"

Last week, @ODNI_NIC's Anastasia Smith told @WashInstitute Zawahiri & other core #alQaida leaders have gone along w/"a more collaborative approach" when it comes to the affiliates but that they are still critical to alQaida's messaging

https://twitter.com/jseldin/status/1534941365863428096?s=20&t=zGy0TUH-MLskFJBEr16FFQ