While Al Qaeda has suffered critical blows in its post-Afghanistan home in Pakistan’s tribal territory, a second wave of insurgents in the lawless regions of Northern Africa and Yemen is growing in strength and in its determination to launch significant attacks within the United States, U.S. counterterrorism officials say.

Intelligence agencies in the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Europe are working together to dismantle the growing al Qaeda cells. But political instability in the region has provided cover for the resurgence of terrorist activity, experts say.

Recommended Stories

U.S. pulls more embassy staff from Yemen

U.S. officials fear other revolutions won’t be bloodless

A coup in Yemen could give al Qaeda a stronghold, experts say