Key Al Qaeda Bomb Maker and Poisons Expert Killed

July 28, 2008— -- A key weapons and explosives expert for Al Qaeda was killed today in Pakistan, according to US sources. Abu Khabab al-Masri is described by authorities as the man who ran al Qaeda's infamous Derunta training camp in Afghanistan, where he used dogs and other animals as subjects for experiments with poison and chemicals. His explosives training manual is still regarded as the bible for al Qaeda terrorists around the world.

Al-Masri and at least six others were killed in a missile attack in South Waziristan, that is suspected to be the work of a US predator.

Pakistani authorities believed al-Masri was killed in a 2006 missile strike in Damadola, but that turned out not to be true.

These missile attacks have become routine in Pakistan's tribal areas. The Pakistani military is often not given any advance warning. This one came just a few hours before Pakistani Prime Minister Gilani met with President Bush in the oval office. Bush is expected to put pressure on Pakistan to step up its campaign against militants operating freely in the tribal areas.

Developing...