Advertisement

U.S. Warns Of Retaliation Following Cleric's Killing

The Obama administration says the killing of a U.S.-born cleric in Yemen has raised the risk of anti-American violence worldwide.

The State Department says the death of Anwar al-Awlaki would provide motivation for individuals or groups to retaliate against U.S. citizens or American interests.

A department warning issued Saturday notes that al-Awlaki and other members of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula previously called for attacks against the U.S., and the warning says his supporters could seek to avenge his death.

Al-Awlaki was killed during an attack on his convoy early Friday.

The State Department issued a similar alert after Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan. This latest alert is set to expire at the end of November.

This program aired on October 1, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close