The Spy Who - The Spy Who Lived Inside Al-Qaeda | The Struggle Within | 2

Episode Date: November 4, 2025

As the threat from jihadi preacher Anwar al-Awlaki increases, Morten Storm goes to Yemen to spy on him for the CIA. But al-Awlaki’s got a surprise mission for Storm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wonderry Plus subscribers can binge full seasons of the Spy Who early and add free on Apple Podcasts or the Wondry app. Please be advised. This episode contains depictions of drug use. September 2009, Shukra, Yemen. Morton Storm pulls his rented Hyundai into the petrol station on the edge of town. Next to him, in the passenger seat, is his wife Fadja. Her black nihab only reveals her eyes, but it can't hide her unease.

Storm attempts a reassuring smile. I just want to stretch my legs. Storm steps into the warm night. The place is quiet and the surrounding landscape inky dark. Up ahead, on a billboard, is the smiling face of Yemen's mustached president. Past that, the road splits in two. One fork continues east along the coast. The other swings north to the country's interior, where the president's forces hold little sway.

That way lies bandits, warlords, and al-Qaeda fighters. And that's where Anwar al-Aulahi wants. Storm to go. Storm last saw the US-born terrorist cleric a year ago. Since then, they've both been busy. Storm's been helping his Danish-American and British spymasters infiltrate jihadi networks in Europe and East Africa. Al-Aulahi's been using YouTube to spread his message of religious violence worldwide.

Now, Al-Ollaki wants a face-to-face with Storm. It's a rare invitation and too good an opportunity to refuse, but Al-Lawaki is not said why he wants to meet. Storm wonders if he's heading into a trap. Storm returns to the car and resumes his journey. As he turns north into the badlands, he regrets bringing Fadier with him. But leaving her behind would only invite questions. She has no idea he's a spy.

As far as she knows, Storm regards Al-Aulahi as a friend and a religious teacher. Storm reaches the remote spots where Al-Aulahi told him to wait for an escort to his compound. In the distance, a vehicle is approaching from the north. Its headlights draw closer. It's a Toyota land cruiser, with armed men riding on the back. Storm grasps his wife's hand. If things are about to go wrong, they'll know soon enough. An hour later, the escort delivers Storm and his wife to Al-Aulaki's high-walled compound.

The jihadi cleric emerges from one of the buildings. He's wearing a camouflage jacket over his torb and has an AK-47 slung over his shoulder. My Danish friend, it's good to see you. Tell me, you found me a wife yet? Not yet, but I'm working on it. Good, because I'm never going to find another wife all the way out here. Walk with me. Al-Lawaki leads Storm into his office.

Thank you for coming to see me. I have something important to show you. New encryption software for our communications. The old method of leaving each other draft emails on webmail It's no longer secure You think our communications are compromised? I have no evidence, but it's a possibility The unbelievers know I'm a threat

You know, just the other day, a brother visited me. Muhammad Usman He said he knows you. Yes, he stayed with us in Sana'ar. well he's suspicious of you really yes he thinks you work for british intelligence of course he had nothing to support such a ridiculous accusation storm cracks a smile well he won't be staying with us again storm hopes his laughter will put this to rest but out here distrust can have fatal consequences. He feels Al-Aulaki's eyes studying him, sizing him out, and trying to divine whether

he can still be trusted. Hey, pod listeners, have we got a fun new game for you? It's called Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick, a game that has outrageous questions that will keep you playing and laughing for hours, like this. Quick, quick, quick, list three gifts you'd never give a cowboy. And you can say, anything. There's no wrong answers. So go get it quick, quick, quickly. Available now at Target and Amazon. From Wondery, I'm Raza Jaffrey, and this is The Spy Who. In the last episode, Danish biker Morton Storm found Islam and turned jahadi. But after losing his faith, he became a spy for

the West. Now he's helping his spymasters monitor the threat from Anwar al-Aulahi, the American-born terrorist preacher who operates out of Yemen. This is episode two of the spy who lived inside al-Qaeda, the struggle within. November 2009, Birmingham, England. At his home, Mawson Storm, logs onto Facebook. It's been two months since he visited Anwar Al-Aulahi in Yemen. The radical cleric seems to have dismissed the idea that Storm is a spy. But Storm wants to shore up his trust all the same. So he stepped up his efforts to find Al-Aulahi a new wife. Al-Aulaki wants his third wife to be a white Western convert. He feels his other wives lack the maturity and education

to relate to his journey from American kid to jihadi leader. So Storm sought help from an Al-Ollahi fan page. And this morning, he got a reply from a Croat named Amina. She wants to know if Storm's in contact with Al-Aulaki. He checks her profile. She seems real enough. Yes, I am in contact with her. with the shake.

Amina replies moments later. Do you know the shake personally? If so, may I be so liberal as to ask you something? Yes, I know him. Feel free to ask. I emailed him and proposed marriage. I do not know how silly that is, but now I am in contact with you.

Maybe you could recommend me. Storm sits up. This is promising. Tell me, why do you wish to marry the Sheikh? I'm seeking a way out of Croatia and a husband who will teach me and who I can help. I deeply respect him and all he does for the Yuma. You would be wife number three. He has two already, but they don't stay with him.

You will stay with him all the time. You should expect hardship and moving from place. place to place while taking care of your duties as a wife. Be patient with all that you will see and face as he may be exposed to danger. And Allah is our protector. Can you accept this? Storm had send. Five minutes pass.

And ten. He wonders if his reality check has put a moment. Mina off. But then, she replies. I would go anywhere with him. I am ready for dangerous things. I am not afraid of death. I didn't know he has two wives already, but I do not mind at all. I want to help him in his work. I am good at housekeeping. Storm leans back in his chair. He's found Alolaki's new bride. One month later, Denmark. In a hotel suite in Copenhagen, Storm briefs his handlers on Amina while nursing a bottle of Carsburg.

She's 32, blonde, describes herself as attractive and says people think she's in her mid-twenties. Never married, no kids. She could ensure, I'll know-lucky trust me. We could also use her to locate him. Storm CIA handler Jed breaks into a broad smile. Yeah, I like that thinking. If we plant a... A satellite transponder in a makeup box. Or a suitcase? Even better. Storm's Danish handler, Clang, joins in.

I agree. A suitcase is the ideal Trojan horse. Al-Aulahi's always on the move. There's a little chance she'll leave her suitcase behind. Everyone turns to look at Storm's British handler, Kevin. He looks unimpressed. Jed Skowls. What?

While the plan is achievable, We're talking about sending a naive, vulnerable woman into a volatile country to live with a terrorist. I believe Morton shares our concerns. Jed spins round to face storm. Is that true? Well, I wouldn't want it to become, I don't know, collateral damage in a drone strike. Kevin looks at Jed. See?

Oh, come on. Will you all start with this bleeding heart bull crap? Anwar al-a-laki is instigating mass murder on our nation's soil. or have you already forgotten what just happened in Fort Hood? Fort Hood is a US army base in Texas. Last month, a Muslim major radicalised by Al-Aulaki went on a rampage. He shot 13 people dead and left more than 30 injured.

Jed started to pace the room. The mood music in Washington's changed. Al-aulaki is to be found and dealt with and Amina can lead us right to him. Kevin crosses his arms. And if she's with him, when you launch a drone strike? We need eyes on Al-Aulaki.

She need not die. Somehow, I doubt you'd miss a shot just to spare her. Kevin looks at Clang, hoping for backup from Danish intelligence. Doesn't Danish law prohibit P-E-T from participating in assassinations? Clang says nothing. Jed cuts in. I want to hear from Morton. He knows the risks better than all of us, and Amina is his asset.

Morton, what do you want to do? All eyes in the room focus on Storm. He drains his beer, then replies. I'm going to tell Alolaki I have found him a wife. He might still reject her, and we can always cancel the operation before she goes to Yemen, if we want. A few weeks later, Edinburgh, Scotland. In a restaurant on the Royal Mile,

Storm stares at the unfamiliar meal on his plate. On it, next to some mashed potato and swede, is a clump of dark grey. Storm's MI5 handler, Kevin, leans forward. Just taste it. It's a Scottish tradition. Storm forked some of the haggis into his mouth. Hmm.

That's all right. Peppery and nutty. So what is it? Offle and oats. Sheephard, lungs, suites, oatmeal. Storm pulls a grossed-out face as his handler laughs to himself. All right, you got me. I'd have eaten worse.

Okay, enough. What's really going on? I appreciate the tour of Scotland in these free meals, but nothing is ever really free. Okay, right, you are. We wanted to show we appreciate you, but I also need to talk to you about Amina. What about her? We're not comfortable with what the Americans want to do with her. Our job is to gather intelligence, not arrange assassinations. We don't think we should help her get to Yemen so much for the special relationship. Morton. We can't offer you the might. money they can. But what we can promise is we will take care of you. We do not like this plan and we do not want to see you get screwed over. So please, think about it. Okay? A few weeks later, Reykjavik, Iceland. Storm is on another all-expenses-paid trip,

But this time, he's with his Danish handlers, and the CIA is paying the tab. They've spent the day lazing in the geothermal spa waters of the Blue Lagoon. Now they're back in Storm's five-star hotel suite, and Storm wants advice. The Brits don't want me to help Amina get to Yemen. They asked me to stop the operation. PET Officer Clang looks concerned. They did? Yeah.

Took me on a tour of Scotland to try and convince me not to. And I get the sense the CIA are paying for this trip to get me to go through with it. Well, what are you thinking about Amina? I don't know. Al Al Al-Laraki needs to be stopped. And that follower of his tried to blow up that passenger plane. I've got no doubts about that. But Amina, I'm torn.

I understand. Which way are you leaning? I hoped you might advise me. Oh, um... Okay, well, uh... If I were you, I'd go with the Americans. Yeah? Yeah, they'd be much more fun and more money, too.

I heard they'll pay you a retainer of $2,600 a month. Storm's eyes widen. Ever since he quit the Bandido's bike gang, he's been either broke or about to go broke. Being a jihadi is poorly paid, and he gets just £900 a month from the Danes for his spying. Clang leans closer. Also, and I'm not supposed to tell you this, so act surprised when Jed tells you.

There'll be a bonus if the mission with Amina goes well. A bonus? How much? Clank smiles and leans back into his seat. I don't know, but it'll be big. Two months later, Birmingham Airport, England. Storm collects his boarding pass and passport from the check-in assistant and heads for the security gates. He's about to fly to Copenhagen to meet with the CIA and Danish intelligence. The operation to get Amina to Al-Aulaki is gathering speed.

Al-Aulaki is smitten with his new European bride. Amina remains resolute in her desire to marry him, and the CIA is preparing a transponder to plant in her suitcase. Now, storm near security. His phone rings. It's Kevin. He's a MI5 handler. Kevin, can I call you back?

I know where you are, Morton. And I know where you're going to. Oh. Don't get on that plane. Jed's expecting me. Morton, if you get on that plane, our work together is over. Really?

Yes. We enjoyed working with you, and we achieved a lot, but this operation crosses a line. We cannot be part of it. If you get on that plane, this is our goodbye. storm hesitates he looks towards the security gates then to the automatic doors that lead out of the airport

he picks up his bag and heads for the gates Okay, Carrie, you're ready. Quick, quick, quick. List three gifts you'd never give a cowboy. Lacey Bobby Sox. A diamond bracelet. A gift certificate to Sephora. Oh, my God.

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Quick, Quick, Quick. You just pick a card and have your partner give three answers to an outrageous question. It's fast, fun, fantastic, and a bunch of other funny adjectives. Anyone can play. Your mom, your dad, your kitten, your kids, your Auntie Edna, and even your butcher. And you know it's incredible, there are no wrong answers. Just open your brain and say what's in it, just quickly. And you're not going to believe this. Well, you might once you start playing, it's as much fun to watch as it is to play, seriously. So get up and go grab your copy now at Target and Amazon. Quick, quick, quick, quick. It's the fastest way to have fun. Spring 2010, Vienna, Austria. In a McDonald's restaurant, Mawson Storm sits at a table

cradling a cup of coffee. Sitting opposite is Amina. She's now just a few days away from going to Yemen to become Anwar al-Aulaki's wife. She's wearing a hijab, and there's a vulnerability in the way she carries herself. Storm ignores it. He's got a mission to do. He hands her a thick envelope. Inside, he's $3,000 in cash, provided by the CIA. Not that he can tell her that. The money was raised by our brothers in England to help you. Your plane tickets are there, too. to Istanbul first. Only then do Yemen. That will raise less suspicion. And when I reach Sena, go to the address I gave you. The people there will look after you until someone comes to

collect you. How long will that take? That is for God to decide, maybe as long as a month. Finally, there is this. Storm pushes a mid-sized suitcase towards Amina. It's a new Samsonite case, but hidden within its hard gray shell is a transponder that would allow the CIA to track its every move. To ensure Amina takes it, Storm asked Al-Aulaki to specify what kind of case she should bring. But Amina looks disappointed by it. I might not be able to fit all I hoped in this. The Sheikh himself requested this very case.

If there are items you have to leave behind, let me know and I will try to bring them when I visit. Amina pulls the case to water. Storm notices her hand is trembling. She looks at him. I don't know how I will ever pay you back. You've done so much for me. May Allah reward you. Then she leaves, wheeling her new suitcase behind her,

the suitcase that will lead the CIA right to Al-Aulaki's doorstep. One month later, Copenhagen, Denmark. Morton Storm waits in the lobby of the Crown Plaza hotel. Amina and the suitcase arrived in Yemen a few days ago. And while she waits in Sena for her escort to Al-Aulahi, Storm's ready to collect his bonus. Storm's Danish handler Klang enters the lobby. He's carrying a slim black briefcase and it's handcuffed to his wrist. He gestures for Storm to follow. Storm joins him at the elevators. After reaching a room on an upper, he's upper floor. Klang places the briefcase on the table in front of Storm. Guess the code. Storm looks

at the three number combination lock. Clang smiles. 007. Storm opens the lock. Lifts the lid and gasps. Inside is a quarter of a million dollars in bundles of $100 bills. Clang grins. How does it feel to be rich? Storm stares at the money, then at Clang. How am I supposed to deposit all this cash in the bank? That, Morton, is your problem. A few days later, Birmingham, England. At his home, Storm opens his laptop and inserts the USB stick Al-Holachi gave him on his last visitor, Yemen.

On it is the encryption program he and Al-Aulaki now used to keep their email communications secure. Storm copies and pasts the jumble of characters from Al-Aulaki's latest email into the program and watches as they are decrypted before his eyes. He reads Al-Aulaki's letter with relief. Amina is now with Al-Aulaki, and he is delighted with his new wife. There's also a message from Amina. She says everything went to plan, except that the people who came to collect her made her leave her electronics and her suitcase behind.

Storm stares at the words, hoping they might disappear, but they don't. The suitcase and its hidden tracker never made it to Al-Ollaki. Storm wonders what this means. Is this just Al-Aulaki being? careful? Or did Storm's questions about what suitcase Amina should bring, raise suspicions? Did Al-Aulaki's people discover the transponder? And what will the CIA say when it learns it paid Storm a fortune for a failed mission? The next day, Sena, Yemen. In the lodgings where Amina stayed before being taken to Al-Aulahi, a CIA informant

checks the coast is clear. The informant's mission is to locate a grey, hardtop Samsonite suitcase. The CIA want to know if it's still at the lodgings and still intact. The informant's also been warned. This could be a trap. Seeing no one, the informant enters the room where Amina stayed. The abandoned suitcase is there, standing in the corner of the room, and there's no sign of significant damage. As instructed, the informant leaves the case right where it is.

An hour later, the informant relays this information to the CIA. It's confirmation that the suitcase transponder went undiscovered, and that Storm's cover is intact, but it also confirms that the mission to use Amina to locate Al-Laulahi has failed. June 2010, Barcelona, Spain. In a secluded, gated villa, three officers from the Danish intelligence service P.E.T are throwing a private party to mark the end of their latest debrief with Morton's Storm. Young women in chiffon dresses and high heels top up their champagne flutes. P.E.T. Officer Clang raises his glass.

To Morton! To Morton! Storm forces a half-hearted smile. He's not in the party mood. As the P.E.T. Officers drink, he stares into space. The amina operation was a disaster. First, the British dumped him. now the CIA has too the Americans suspect Storm of playing them storm understands why Al-Aulahi got a wife storm got a quarter of a million dollars the CIA got zilch but his Danish handlers don't seem to care they're too busy getting drunk and pairing up with

the escorts storm watches one of the PET officers follow one of the women to a bedroom a woman's voice interrupts his thoughts. Hi there, I'm O'Lea. Storm looks at her, but he doesn't see her face. Instead, he sees Amina, the woman he turned into a terrorist's bride. He feels guilt, but it's too late now. Olaea takes Storm by the hand and leads him to a bedroom. As she closes the door behind them, Storm snaps out of his stupor. Sorry, I can't sleep with you. I'm married. Alaya's face sags. Oh, do you want to talk?

No, I'd rather get a high. Is that possible? Alaya looks relieved. She gets a vial of white powdered from a secret compartment behind an oil painting. Storm watches their tap out a line, then bends over to snort it. The door bursts open. It's clang, and he looks horrified. Morton, what the hell are you doing? You can't do that. I'm doing exactly what it looks like I'm doing. No, no, not with us here.

You can't, we're part of the police. Storm frowns. Fuck you. I'm only abusing myself. You're the ones hooking up with women who are probably sex trafficking victims. Screw you, Morton. Clang, barges past Alea and out of the room.

First the British, then the Americans. Now, Storm's burning bridges with Danish intelligence too. He glances at the half-finished line of McCain on the table and thinks, fuck it. May 2011, almost a year later, Hornbeck, Denmark. In a holiday villa next to a tree-lined lake, Storm is having a reunion with P.E.T. and the CIA. He feared it'd be awkward. Instead, CIA officers Jed is in a buoyant mood.

And that's because today, U.S. Special Forces killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. This is a great day, Morton. Asama's worm food. And now, we're talking again. Yeah, congratulations on getting him. Thank you. Been a long time coming. P.E.T. Officer Clang interjects.

Of course, with Bin Laden dead, that means Al-Aulaki is now America's top target, doesn't it? Damn right And Morton We need your help to find him Storm smiles He wants this reunion more than they know He spent the past year lost He snorted away a good chunk of money he got from the CIA

He doesn't just want to get back in the spy game He needs to To save him from himself He looks at Jed I'm ready Let's get him May 2011, the foothills near Attack, Yemen. It's night, and in a white pickup truck, Anwar al-Aulaki is on the move.

He repositions his round, wire-framed glasses, as the vehicle rumbles over the pitted and parched ground towards his latest hideout. ahead the lights of the village of Nisab beckon in the gloom the force of an explosion slams into the side of the truck the windows shatter showering al alaqi with glass the driver shouts drone the driver slams on the accelerator and starts veering wildly zigzagging over the pockmarked terrain to evade the american drone in the sky above Al-aulaki clings onto the grab handle as he is flung from side to side.

He glances back. Smoke is rising from where the drone's missile hit mere meters from his vehicle. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. The truck seems to pivot onto two wheels for a moment as another missile hits close by. Then it slams back down hard onto four wheels. wheels, before resuming its bone-shattering dash for safety. By now, Al-Qaeda vehicles are racing out of the village towards their position.

Al-Lawaki cranes his neck to the sky and sees thick clouds converging directly above them. He yells to the driver. Allah has provided cover! Stop! The driver breaks hard and turns to Al-Lawaki. Sheikh, we cannot stay here. These clouds will soon pass. We need to reach the mountains. is the only place we can hide. One of the vehicles from the village

pulls up next to them. Inside, the two Al-Qaeda fighters. Sheikh, swap vehicles with us. We will draw the infidels fire so you can escape. Al-Ollaki doesn't need to be asked twice. Bless you, my brothers. May Allah protect you. The men switch vehicles.

The two fighters from the village zoom off in the white pickup truck. Al-Aulaki and his driver head in the opposite direction in their new vehicle. As they reached the mountains, Al-Olaki looks out of the back window. In the distance, he sees the white pickup truck he was in, speeding away. This time, the drone missile is on target. The white pickup and the fighters in it are instantly incinerated. Al-Lalaki's escaped, but next time the first missile might hit.

His margin for error is shrinking. It's a few days later, and Morton Storm is back in Sennar, and the mood in the Yemeni capital is febrile. The Arab Spring revolts are spread. throughout the Middle East. Protesters are on the streets. To the south, Al-Qaeda has seized the coastal town of Zinjibar. Yesterday, a bomb attack left Yemen's president seriously injured.

The country feels close to civil war, and that makes Storm's mission all the more urgent. He's come to find where Al-Aulaki is hiding, so the CIA can kill him. But the jihadi preacher isn't replying to Storm's encrypted, and emails asking to meet up. That leaves storm with just one option, and it's a risky one.

He must ask Abdul for help. Abdul is his closest friend in Yemen, and a courier for Al-Qaeda. But Al-Aulahi distrusts Abdul and might be wary of a message sent via him. And as storm reaches Abdul's home, he's reminded of why. Most jihadis struggle to get by.

to get by, but Abdul owns a nice home and smart part of the city, and there's a new car in the driveway. Abdul opens the door and is surprised to see Storm there. He beckons him inside and pours him a glass of milk tea. He returned to Yemen at an interesting time. Yeah, I had hoped to meet Sheikh Al-Lawlaki. Obed? He's not answering my emails.

It may be too risky for him to reply. in case the Americans find him. I thought the same, which is why I hope that you could help. Oh, so? Storm reaches into his pocket and pulls out a USB thumb drive. I have put an encrypted message to Al-Lawaki on this drive. I need it delivered to him and his reply brought to me. Do you know a way?

I... I know a brother. He's a go-between between our people here and the fighters in the South. He could get it to them. Is he reliable? He has never let me down before. Leave the thumb drive with me. I will call him now.

Abdul takes his phone from his pocket. It's a Nokia N900 smartphone, the exact same model that the CIA gave Storm to use. Storm hands over the thumb drive and wonders again who Abdul really works for. Several days later, In a traditional Yemeni restaurant, Storm sits by himself waiting for an Al-Qaeda messenger to bring him a reply from Al-Aulahi.

Two Yemeni men sitting nearby glanced at him again. They've been doing it all evening. As a large white dain with a ginger beard, Storm knows he stands out, but these two men seem just a little too interested. He wonders if they are Yemeni Secret Service. It's also possible they are al-Qaeda members, sent to ensure their messenger isn't walking into a trap. It could also be paranoia setting in.

A skinny teenager wearing a headscarf enters the restaurant and approaches Storm's table. Color? Storm feels the exchange of code words seems pointless. It's not like anyone else here matches his description, but he gives the required response anyway. Green. The teenager hands Storm the same thumb drive he gave to Abdul.

Then he gives Storm an envelope full of US dollars before pointing at the thumb drive to indicate that the message on the drive will explain the money. An hour later, in his apartment, Storm plugs the thumb drive into his laptop and decrypts Al-Lawaki's message. Al-Aulaki apologizes for not replying to Storm's emails, but says it's too risky to communicate online now.

He also fears that Storm will be under surveillance. Instead, they should continue sending messages to each other via thumb drives. Al-Aulaki explains that he's built a chain of couriers to obscure his location. Each courier in the chain only knows their portion of the journey. That way, if one gets captured, they cannot betray his whereabouts. The money is to buy a portable refrigerator. Al-Aulaki doesn't say why he wants it,

but Storm suspects it's for storing explosives at the correct temperature. There's also a message from Amina. She misses her family, but has grown used to the conditions she now lives in. She wants Storm to bring her sanitary towels and linted chocolate. She also wants some mural. European dresses as her Yemeni clothes are too hot to wear. Storm's back in touch with Al-Aulaki, but finding our ways hiding is still going to be a challenge. A few days later, Malaga, Spain.

In a hotel suite, Storm is debriefing the CIA and the Danish intelligence service P.E.T. On how he re-established contact with Al-Aulaki. CIA officer Jed can't hide his clea. Lee. This is huge, Morton. Do you think you can travel to meet him? If I bring him the fridge and the other supplies he wants, maybe. But the security situation in Yemen is a lot worse now. It might not work out. What about the thumb drives I'm using to communicate with him? Could you track those? That would lead you right to him. Yeah, something to explore, for sure. Chad, thanks for a moment, and then refocuses on storm.

But I have a question that I need you to answer. It's about the message to Al-Lau-Lu'll lucky that you had Abdul sent to him. What about it? In it, you told Al-Aulaki that you don't trust Abdul. Why did you say that? Because I know that Al-Aulaki doesn't trust him. I wanted to reassure Al-Aliqi that I am being careful. Uh-huh. Okay, I get it. This is great work, Morton. And if this deal leads us to Al-Awaki, there'll be a very significant reward for you. Jed stands. But now, if you'd excuse me, I need to go talk to a man. about a horse. Storm waits for Jed to enter the bathroom, then turns to his P-E-T handler, Clang. What was all that song and dance about Abdel? Does Abdel work for the Americans?

Clang shrugs. Who knows? The important thing is, the Americans will pay you five million dollars if you lead them to our lucky. Storm stares at Jensen in shock. It's a breathtaking sum, But it also rings true. The U.S. considers Al-Aulaki a major security threat, a jihadi-pied piper who stoked terrorist attacks across the world. The $5 million is a small sum to pay to eliminate him. Clang talks again. You know, Morton, with that much money,

you could buy one of the expensive villas here. If you do, you better let us come and stay. Storm grunts in assent. But he feels no elation. just the cold knowledge that he's about to become a millionaire by facilitating the murder of a man he once considered a friend. Have you got a spy story you'd like us to tell? Email your ideas to the spy who at Wondery.com.

From Wondery, this is the second episode in our season, The Spy Who lived inside Al-Qaeda. A quick note about our dialogue. We can't know everything that was said or done behind closed doors, particularly far back in history. But our scenes are written using the best available sources. So even if a scene or conversation has been reached, created of a dramatic effect, it's still based on biographical research. We used various sources in our research for this season, including Agent Storm, My Life Inside Al-Qaeda and the CIA by Morton Storm, with Paul Cruikshank and Tim Lister.

The Spy Who is hosted by me, Raza Jaffrey. Our show is produced by Vespucci, with writing and story editing by Yellow Ant for Wondery. For Yellow Ant, this episode was researched by Louise Byrne. pronunciation guidance from Rekker Kirstein and Paula Richardson. Our managing producer is Jay Priest. For Vespucci, our senior producer is Ashley Clivery. Our sound designer is Iver Manly. Natalia Rodriguez is the supervising producer.

Music supervisor is Scott Velasquez for Friss and Sink. Executive producers for Vespucci are Johnny Galvin and Daniel Turcun. Executive producer for Yellow Ant is Tristan Donovan. Executive producers for Wondery are Estelle Doyle, Theodore Leludis and Marshall Louis.