In accordance with paragraph 13 of resolution 1822 (2008) and subsequent related resolutions, the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee makes accessible a narrative summary of reasons for the listing for individuals, groups, undertakings and entities included in the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List.
Hamza bin Laden was listed on 28 February 2019 pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 4 of resolution 2368 (2017) as being associated with ISIL or Al-Qaida for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” and “recruiting for”, and “otherwise supporting acts or activities or indicating association with” Al-Qaida (QDe.004).
Hamza bin Laden, son of Usama bin Laden (deceased), was officially announced by Al-Qaida (QDe.004) senior leader Aiman Muhammed Rabi al-Zawahiri (QDi.006) as an official member of the group. In March 2018, bin Laden issued a statement through Al-Qaida’s media outlet, citing the role of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (QDe.129), threatening Saudi Arabia and calling on the people of the Arabian Peninsula to revolt.
In January 2018, bin Laden released a video on behalf of Al-Qaida, denouncing Saudi Arabia and calling for the overthrow of the monarchy in an effort to recruit viewers to Al-Qaida.
In May 2017, bin Laden released an audio message, also on behalf of Al-Qaida, calling on followers to conduct attacks.
In 2016, Al-Qaida issued another audio message from Hamza bin Laden threatening revenge against the United States and warned Americans they would be targeted in the United States and abroad. Additionally, in 2016, bin Laden called on Saudi Arabian-based tribes to unite with Al-Qaida’s affiliate in Yemen to wage war against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In 2015, bin Laden called for attacks against U.S., French, and Israeli interests, calling for acts of terrorism in western capitals on behalf of Al-Qaida.
Hamza bin Laden has been given a more prominent role within Al-Qaida, and is considered to have the capability to follow through with his threats. Hamza’s popularity is increasing amongst followers of Al-Qaida, and he has become the most probable successor of a new version of Al-Qaida. Hamza seeks to grow Al-Qaida’s network and use a new phase of terrorist attacks in major Western cities to raise his profile and announce the return of Al-Qaida with himself as a new leader.
As of September 2019, Hamza bin Laden had reportedly been killed in a counterterrorism operations in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region.