While a number of key Qaeda leaders have been captured or killed, many others remain at large.

But they said the Qaeda leader left the area before the lead could be pursued.

But after the battle, no trace of the Qaeda leaders was found.

That amounts to a message from a Qaeda leader every six weeks.

He said they, too, might have received a tip that Qaeda leaders were going to meet at the compound.

Then, the Qaeda leader listened, but did not commit himself.

At all times, he has been the leader of Al Qaeda.

They also said he might provide leads to the whereabouts of even more senior Qaeda leaders.

Based on earlier threats by the Qaeda leader, it said, an attack could come "not long afterward."

Even so, there is a heightened sense of anticipation that the Qaeda leader may soon be caught.