In an interview, Abu al Fida’a (Rashad Mohammed Saeed Ismael) denied al Qaeda involvement in two attacks on tourists, saying attacks within Yemen are prohibited by central leadership. Al Fida’a blamed Yemeni security forces or an imposter. Al Fida’a was a high-ranking member of the Taliban and close associate of Osama bin Laden. Al Fida’a negotiated for al Qaeda militants with Yemeni President Saleh in June 2006.
