A U.S. drone attack in Pakistan has killed this man-- Abu Yahya al-Libi (aBU YAH-ya al-LIBI) one of al Qaeda's top ranking officials.<br/> <br />Seen here in file footage, al-Libi was considered al Qaeda's second-ranking member.<br/> <br />Officials say he was among al Qaeda's most experienced and versatile figures and had the authority to issue fatwas, and make operational approvals.<br/> <br />Reaction from the White House was enthusiastic.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON JAY CARNEY SAYING:<br/> <br />"... we believe, al-Libi's death is a major blow to core al Qaeda. Removing the number two leader for the second time in less than a year and further damaging the group's moral and cohesion and bringing it closer to it's ultimate demise than ever before."<br/> <br />An increase in U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan have government officials there angered and are adding to tensions between Washington and Islamabad.<br/> <br />Julie Noce, Reuters
