Abu Omar al - Qaeda , al Qaeda 's deputy leader , was killed by a drone strike , U.S. says . Drone strikes remain a highly contentious issue between the United States and Pakistan . His death was a ` ` very serious blow '' to al Qaeda , Freedom House says . The strikes remain highly controversial because of civilian deaths .
Abu Omar al - Qaeda , al Qaeda 's deputy leader , was killed by a drone strike , U.S. says . His death was a ` ` very serious blow '' to al Qaeda , Freedom House says . The strikes remain highly controversial because of civilian deaths .