Saudi Arabia Strips Al-Qaeda's Hamza Bin Laden of Citizenship - Reports

The decision comes as the Daesh* terrorist group holds on to its last slither of territory along the Syrian border with Iraq. However, policymakers are becoming increasingly concerned that with the defeat of that group, the traditional al-Qaeda* franchise may, once again, begin to surge.

Saudi Arabia has removed the citizenship of Hamza Bin Laden, the son of slain former al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden, according to reports.

Reports say that the Gulf Kingdom's leadership announced the decision on Friday, 1 March, in the country's official Gazette newspaper, saying that Bin Laden's citizenship had been revoked by royal decree back in November 2018, but that there was no explanation offered as to why it was made public now. 

READ MORE: US Offers $1 Million Reward for Hamza bin Laden, Osama's Son

The decision comes as the United States has issued a $1 million reward for any information that leads to Mr Bin Laden's capture, amidst alleged concerns among US intelligence agencies that the younger Bin Laden has ambitions to follow in his late father's footsteps by proclaiming a global jihad against the West and allied targets. In a statement released on February 28, the US Department of State said that Hamza, "is emerging as a leader in the [Al-Qaida] franchise." 

.@Rewards4Justice is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Hamza bin Laden, UBL’s son. pic.twitter.com/eALacWH0bl

— W.J. Hennigan (@wjhenn) 28 February 2019

​In 2015, Mr Bin Laden released an audio message calling for unity among Jihadist fighters in Syria, saying that they should come together to focus on "liberating Palestine." He also called upon Muslims around the world to continue attacking the US and its allies. Then, in 2017, he was branded a "specially designated global terrorist" by Washington.

READ MORE: Who is Hamza bin Laden, the US' Newly Minted Million Dollar Wanted Man

Recently, the United Nations Security Council committee added Hamza to its sanctions list. In a statement the committee explained its move was the result of Hamza being "given a more prominent role within al-Qaeda." The decision subjects Hamza to an assets freeze, travel ban and an arms embargo.

WANTED. Up to $1 million for information on Hamza bin Laden, an emerging al-Qa'ida leader. Hamza is son of Usama bin Laden and has threatened attacks against the United States and allies. Relocation possible. Submit a tip, get paid. https://t.co/LtBVhsrwTc #RFJ pic.twitter.com/gmx5hkoSzQ

— Rewards for Justice (@Rewards4Justice) 28 February 2019

* Terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries