The leader of al-Qaeda's branch in Yemen, Khalid Saeed al-Batarfi, is dead, the terrorist group announced in a video published on social media.
The video, released on Sunday evening, is said to show al-Batarfi's body in a shroud. The cause of death was initially unclear.
Al-Batarfi had led Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)for four years, a branch of the international jihadist network that operates in Yemen. It was formed in a 2009 merger between the Yemeni branch of al-Qaeda and militants from Saudi Arabia who had taken refuge there. The US describes it as "al-Qaeda's most dangerous affiliate."
Al-Batarfi is on Washington's terror list, with the State Department offering a reward of up to $5 million for information on him.
The video published Sunday also announces his successor - Sa'ad bin Atef al-Awlaki.
He is also included in the US wanted list, with a reward of up to $6 million.
According to the US State Departement, al-Awlaki "has publicly called for attacks against the United States and its allies."