By the CNN Wire Staff
(CNN) -- Al Qaeda says its No. 3 man and commander of its operations in Afghanistan has died, according to a group that monitors Islamist Web sites.
Al Qaeda announced the death of Mustafa Abu Yazid in a message posted on such Web sites on Monday, the Maryland-based SITE Intelligence Group said. While the message didn't detail the circumstances of Yazid's death, it did say his wife, three of his daughters, a granddaughter and others were killed, according to SITE.
Yazid, an Egyptian national, is believed to be a financial manager for al Qaeda, as well as a co-founder of the terrorist group, according to SITE.
A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said the government has "strong reason to believe" that Yazid was killed recently in Pakistan's tribal areas.
