RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has revoked the citizenship of son of former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement published by state media.
Umm Al-Qura newspaper reported on Friday that the decision regarding Hamza bin Laden’s citizenship was made in November by a royal order, however, practically the news coincided with US offer to award up to $1m to anyone providing information about his whereabouts.
Hamza bin Laden has been classed as a “terrorist” by the US since 2017 and the money is being offered by the US as part of its Rewards for justice program which described Hamza as ‘an emerging al-Qa’ida leader,’ in a tweet disclosing the prize information.
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. link link pic.twitter.com/gmx5hkoSzQ link
— Rewards for Justice (@Rewards4Justice) February 28, 2019 link
Hamza bin Laden, believed to be of 30, had released audio messages vowing to avenge the killing of his father.
“We will continue striking you and targeting you in your country and abroad in response to your oppression of the people of Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and the rest of the Muslim lands that did not survive your oppression,” Hamza said in an audio released by wire service Reuters in 2016.
The US had added Hamza to the terror blacklist in 2017 and now plans to track him down.