Omar Janjalani heads Abu Sayyaf after Khaddafi's death, says military official

The hostage-taking Abu Sayyaf militant group has a new leader following the reported death of Khaddafi Janjalani in a military air strike last November 19, a senior military officer said.

Omar Janjalani, the new chieftain of the Al Qaida-linked terrorist band, is not in any way related to the Janjalanis of Basilan, said Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, Armed Forces Southern Command chief.

"We all know that there are only three Janjalanis, the eldest Abdurajak Abubakar, Hector and the youngest Khaddafi who are all based in Basilan," he said.

Omar Janjalani is a cousin of Isnilon Hapilon, one of the lieutenants of Khaddafi, who is reportedly hiding in Central Mindanao, said Braganza.

"We have already downgraded the leadership of the Abu Sayyaf and this pursuit against the terrorists will continue against whoever takes the leadership post and joins its membership," he said. The military has launched an offensive in Central Mindanao to "neutralise" the possible resurgence of the Abu Sayyaf leadership, he added.

The new Abu Sayyaf leader is probably capitalising on the Janjalani name to get the sympathy of the followers of the brothers and other radicals, Braganza said.

Abdurajak, founder of the Abu Sayyaf, was killed in an encounter with police commandos in Lamitan, Basilan on December 18, 1998. He was succeeded by Khaddafi.