Background
Al-Zarqawi, Abu Musab was born on October 30, 1966 in Zarqa, Jordan.
Al-Zarqawi, Abu Musab was born on October 30, 1966 in Zarqa, Jordan.
Reached Afghanistan after the Soviets withdrew and became a journalist for a jihadist magazine, Al Bonian al Marsous (The Strong Wall), 1989—1992. Joined militant Islamic group, Bayaat al Imam, 1992. Arrested and jailed in Jordan for having explosives, assault rifles and for plotting against the Monarchy: released on amnesty, 1993—1999.
Moved to Hayatabad in northwestern Pakistan, near the Afghanistan border, 1999. Tried in absentia and indicted (with others) for a plot to bomb the Radisson SAS Hotel Amman, Jordan, 1999. Returned to Afghanistan where he set up his own training camp, connected to Al Qaeda, in the Western city of Herat, 2000—2001.
Accused of murdering, Laurence Foley, a United States diplomat in Amman Jordan, 2002. Accused of multiple bombings, beheadings and other murders against civilians in Iraq, 2003—2006. Widely believed to be the man who beheaded American businessman Nicholas Berg and contractor Eugene Armstrong, 2004.
Son of Fadeel Nazal al-Khalayleh and Um Sayel. Married Jordanian wife. 4 children; married Palestinian wife, 2001.