Years before the Islamic State broke off from al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden heard complaints from followers about the splinter group's growing independence and brutality in Iraq, new documents released Tuesday show.
Bin Laden's thoughts about al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Islamic State's precursor, are revealed for the first time in his own words in 113 documents released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
The documents, including letters to associates, family members and “dear Muslim brothers and sisters,” were seized during the May 2011 raid on bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where the founder and spiritual leader of al-Qaeda was killed.
The letters include his will and discussions on how to handle ransom funds received in return for a released Afghan ambassador.