The other document from the 17 publicly released bin Laden files that suggests a substantial al Qaeda presence in Pakistan is a letter from bin Laden dated Oct. 21, 2010 and addressed to Atiyah. In the letter, the al Qaeda emir advises that “hundreds of the brothers” be relocated from North and South Waziristan to Kunar province in Afghanistan in order to avoid drone strikes.
“Note: there is no comparison between the fortification of Kunar and Zabul and Ghazni [provinces],” bin Laden says. “Kunar is more fortified due to its rougher terrain and the many mountains, rivers, and trees and it can accommodate hundreds of the brothers without being spotted by the enemy.”
Bin Laden also said, however, that not all of the fighters should leave Waziristan, and that some should remain.
“Regarding the brothers in Waziristan in general, whoever can keep a low profile and take the necessary precautions, should stay in the area and those who cannot do so, their first option is to go to Nuristan in Kunar [sic], Ghazni or Zabul. I am leaning toward getting most of the brothers out of the area,” bin Laden said.
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