Zulkifli Abdhir

Zulkifli was born in 1966 in Muar, Johor, Malaysia. According to the FBI, he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, approximately 120 pounds, and could speak Malay, Tagalog, English, and Arabic. Zulkifli attended a boarding school in Malaysia until he trained overseas as an engineer in the USA. After his training, he abruptly left his 10 siblings and 3 children to join up with terrorist activities.{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/mother-of-malaysian-terrorist-fears-she-has-lost-him-to-militancy-forever-report|title=Mother of Malaysian terrorist fears she has lost him to militancy forever: Report|date=5 July 2014|publisher=Straits Times Asia Report|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812213416/http://www.stasiareport.com/the-big-story/asia-report/malaysia/story/mother-malaysian-terrorist-fears-she-has-lost-him-militancy|archive-date=12 August 2014|access-date=12 August 2014}}

{{blockquote|I remember him saying that he wanted to secure a good job and provide for the family. He used to take me sightseeing regularly and helped me with the household expenses. Then he was gone.|Mother of Zulkifli recalling his departure.{{cite web|url=http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=315651:praise-be-to-god-mother-of-msia-terror-chief-when-told-marwan-still-alive--making-bombs&Itemid=2#axzz3M66C4Uef|title='PRAISE BE TO GOD' - mother of M'sia terror chief when told Marwan still alive & making bombs!|publisher=Malaysia Chronicle|date=5 July 2014|access-date=12 August 2014}}}}

Zulkifli, often going under the nom de guerre "Marwan", was suspected to be in charge of the South Eastern Asian and Indonesian terrorist group called the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM). The KMM is/was a part of the international terrorist organisation, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), of which Zulkifli was believed to be part of its central command. The JI is the main cause of the devastating 2002 Bali bombings and many other attacks in South Eastern Asia of which Zulkifli's involvement in is also suspected.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2778923.stm|title=Bali death toll set at 202|work=BBC News|date=19 February 2003|access-date=12 August 2014}} Abdhir also co-founded the terrorist group Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao.{{cite news|last1=Medina|first1=Andrei|title=Marwan was only one of the leaders of Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/440506/news/nation/marwan-was-only-one-of-the-leaders-of-khalifa-islamiyah-mindanao|access-date=19 February 2015|publisher=GMA News|date=18 February 2015}} He was initially wanted by the Malaysian government for the killing of a Christian member of their Parliament in 2000, which was an attack that was backed by Al-Qaeda.{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/82669-marwan-ties-that-bind-terrorism|title=EXCLUSIVE: Marwan's ties that bind: Aljebir Adzhar aka Embel|author=Maria A. Ressa|publisher=Rappler|date=2 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}

Zulkifli was wanted for the allegation of being a supplier of bombs to various terrorist groups around the world. He was also under suspicion of teaching terrorists how to create bombs. Zulkifli, himself, was taught to make IEDs by the terrorist Azahari Husin. He was involved in the building of bombs for the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, which brought him into brief collaborations with Umar Patek, before Patek's leaving to Pakistan,{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/02/zulkifli-bin-hir-kiled_n_1249460.html|title=Zulkifli Bin Hir, Southeast Asia's Most Wanted Terrorist, Reportedly Killed|author1=Hrvoje Hranjski|author2=Jim Gomez|work=The Huffington Post|date=2 February 2012|access-date=7 February 2015}} and with Khadaffy Janjalani (deceased).{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna7263595|title=Philippines arrests alleged Indonesian militant|agency=Associated Press|work=NBC News|date=22 March 2005|access-date=7 February 2015}} Zulkifli was indicted for arrest on 1 August 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3444001#.T4Qys9nErZ8|title=Brothers Indicted on Terror Charges|author=Pierre Thomas|work=ABC News|date=3 August 2007|access-date=7 February 2015}}

While hiding in Mindanao under the protection of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), he continued to stay involved in militant Islamic activity and terrorist bombings.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320889/news/nation/cotabato-city-officials-say-they-received-death-threats-prior-to-bomb-attack|title=Cotabato city officials say they received death threats prior to bomb attack|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=6 August 2013|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://asiancorrespondent.com/111617/philippines-malaysian-terror-leader-marwan-linked-to-mindanao-bombing/|title=Malaysian terrorist 'Marwan' linked to deadly Philippines blast|publisher=Asian Correspondent|date=7 August 2013|access-date=7 February 2015}} An anonymous military source told Gulf News that, along with other South Eastern Asian militants, Zulkifli was engaged in the training of local jihadist volunteers to join The Islamic State.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/region/iraq/100-filipino-muslims-join-isil-in-iraq-1.1374342|title=100 Filipino Muslims join Isil in Iraq|author=Barbara Mae Dacanay|publisher=Gulf News|date=20 August 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}} This was reported after the BIFF declared its allegiance to helping ISIL's cause.{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/69590-biff-isis-connection-social-media|title=The BIFF-ISIS connection and social media|author=Karlos Manlupig|publisher=Rappler|date=19 September 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}}

Sources have estimated that during his militant activity in Mindanao he may have trained up to 300 terrorists in explosives use, detonation, and building.{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/30/1418391/marwan-leaves-behind-300-bomb-makers-mindanao|title=Marwan leaves behind 300 bomb makers in Mindanao|author=John Unson|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=30 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}

It was reported from news organisations on 26 January 2015, that the Jemaah Islamiyah in co-ordination with Zulkifli had planned to construct a bomb to be detonated as the papal convoy drove down T.M. Kalaw Street in Manila on 18 January. The source also claimed that another attempt on the Pope's life was planned the day before, but was thwarted by changes in the Pope's plans. Filipino police have denied the legitimacy of these reports.{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/26/1416864/ji-tagged-plot-kill-pope|title=Jemaah Islamiyah tagged in plot to kill pope|author=Perseus Echeminada|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/26/1416993/dnd-insists-alleged-jemaah-islamiyah-threat-pope-unvalidated|title=DND insists alleged Jemaah Islamiyah threat to pope is unvalidated|author=Alexis Romero|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}

His brother, Rahmat Abdhir, was arrested in California for conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, providing material to terrorists, false statements, and providing material to a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (Zulkifli). In an email between the two they discussed the exchange rates and prices of weapons, specifically an M60 machine gun. Further investigation showed that Rahmat had wired over 10,000 dollars to his brother.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Terror-charges-for-man-brother-at-large-in-2549527.php|title=Terror charges for man - brother at large in Philippines|author=John Coté|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|date=3 August 2007|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/kouri/070812|title=Global terrorist and his sibling indicted for supporting terrorist group|author=Jim Kouri|publisher=Renew America|date=12 August 2007|access-date=7 February 2015}} Federal agents discovered 1,000 rounds of ammunition, scopes to sniper rifles, two-way radios, military training manuals, and materials used to make bombs. Rahmat was refused bail twice, once upon his initial arrest and a second time in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/crime/ci_8273817|title=Court rejects bail for San Jose terror suspect|author=Howard Mintz|work=San Jose Mercury News|date=15 February 2008|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6570872?source=rss|title=San Jose terror suspect kept guns in home, storage|author1=Jennifer Martinez|author2=Sean Webby|work=San Jose Mercury News|date=8 August 2007|access-date=7 February 2015}} He is currently in custody in a California prison, contrary to unverified reports of his residence being in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp,{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/02/06/1420781/marwans-brod-held-california-not-guantanamo|title='Marwan's brod held in California, not Guantanamo'|author=Pia Lee-Brago|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=6 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}} where he submitted his DNA to confirm his brother's demise. The FBI told Reuters that he was "a person familiar with the testing procedures", indicating they extracted his DNA previously.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-rebels-marwan-idUSKBN0L81NV20150204|title=Wanted militant's DNA believed found among dead in Philippine raid -FBI|author=Julia Edwards|publisher=Reuters|date=4 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}

His brother-in-law, Taufik bin Abdul Halim was also arrested for terrorist charges in 2001 for involvement in an attempted mall bombing located in Jakarta, Indonesia. The explosive device reportedly triggered early leading to little or no injuries besides Taufik himself, who lost his leg in the explosion.{{cite web|url=http://www.nst.com.my/node/4959|title=Presumed dead militant still alive|author=Farrah Naz Karim|publisher=New Straits Times|date=21 June 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}} After 12 years in jail for his attempted bombing, Taufik was released and flown back to Johor to be with his family after being pardoned by President of Indonesia Joko Widodo. Malaysian police have promised to monitor his actions due to his high-profile relation to Zulkifli.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/11/15/Former-JI-bomb-expert-back-home-Cops-to-monitor-Taufik-due-to-his-links-with-FBIs-most-wanted-man/|title=Cops to monitor Taufik due to his links with FBI's most wanted man|author=Farik Zolkepli|work=The Star|date=15 November 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://khabarsoutheastasia.com/en_GB/articles/apwi/articles/features/2014/12/03/feature-03|title=Malaysia monitoring released JI terrorist|author=Ahmad Pramudya|publisher=Khabar Southeast Asia|date=3 December 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}}

Zulkifli Abdhir is the cousin of Malaysian terrorist Mohamad Farik Amin (alias Zubair Zaid), who is also suspected as a main culprit in the 2002 Bali bombings. Amin is one of two Malaysians to be currently detained at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba.[http://www.nst.com.my/node/85264 'I would do it again without hesitation'], New Straits Times, 23 May 2015

Early reports claimed that in the Philippines, Zulkifli died during an airstrike on 2 February 2012. The Malaysian government asked for an official DNA comparison to the DNA of one of Zulkifli's siblings. DNA results were obtained from family members of Zulkifli.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2012/02/09/dna-samples-obtained-from-families-of-three-msian-terrorists-killed/|title=DNA samples obtained from families of three M'sian terrorists killed|author=Steven Daniel|work=The Star|date=9 February 2012|access-date=7 February 2015}} His body was never found despite reports of his death. The statements of his supposed death were later retracted as the manhunt continued.{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/1297-malaysia-show-dna-proof-of-terrorist-s-death|title=Malaysia: show DNA proof of terrorist's death|publisher=Rappler|date=4 February 2012|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/world/asia/zulkifli-was-not-killed-in-filipino-airstrike-malaysian-official-says.html?_r=1&|title=Terrorist Was Not Killed in Airstrike, Malaysian Official Says|author=Floyd Whaley|work=The New York Times|date=13 March 2012|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=314852:wanted-dead-or-alive-us-fbi-offers-rm16-mil-bounty-for-msian-terror-chief-marwan&Itemid=2#axzz384LttLsO|title=WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE: U.S. FBI offers RM16 MIL BOUNTY for M'sian terror chief Marwan|publisher=Malaysia Chronicle|date=4 July 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}}

Von Al Haq, a spokesperson for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), claimed in 2013 that Zulkifli was being protected by Ameril Umbra Kato's Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).{{cite web|url=http://www.trackingterrorism.org/group/kumpulan-mujahidin-malaysia-kmm|title=Tracking Terrorism (Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia – KMM)|publisher=Tracking Terrorism|access-date=7 February 2015}} This claim was later corroborated by an interrogation with a detained Abu Sayyaf commander, Khair Mundos, who claimed that he travelled to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters with Zulkifli. Local informants have also claimed Zulkifli to have visited the province of Maguindanao. The detained Abu Sayyaf leader claimed that Zulkifli, and other high ranking Jemaah Islamiyah leader, Muhamda "Muawiyah" Ali, escaped the February airstrike that was reported to have killed them in Sulu and have taken refuge with the Bangsamoro separatists.{{cite web|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2014/08/06/arrested-abu-sayyaf-bandit-terror-suspect-alive-358124|title=Arrested Abu Sayyaf bandit: Terror suspect alive|publisher=Sun.Star|date=6 August 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1567811/philippine-military-admits-islamist-bomb-maker-was-not-killed-2012|title=Philippine military admits Islamist bomb maker was not killed in 2012|work=Agence France-Presse|publisher=South China Morning Post|date=6 August 2014|access-date=7 February 2015}}

{{main|Mamasapano clash}}

The Philippine National Police Special Action Force attempted an operation on 25 January 2015 to arrest Zulkifli. The operation culminated in a battle in Mamasapano between the PNP and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), breaking the ceasefire. The MILF was later joined by their breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, in a battle that led to the death of 44 police officers, several civilians, and at least 18 militants.{{cite web|url=http://www.ktvz.com/news/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-philippines/30918596|title=43 Philippine police killed by Muslim rebels|author1=Arlene Samson-Espiritu|author2=Tim Hume|work=CNN|publisher=KTVZ|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204130452/http://www.ktvz.com/news/dozens-killed-in-clashes-in-philippines/30918596|url-status=dead}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2015/01/26/3460468_deadly-philippine-clash-strains.html?rh=1|title=Deadly Philippine clash strains pact to end 40-year conflict|author1=Norman P. Aquino|author2=Clarissa Batino|work=Bloomberg L.P.|publisher=The Tribune|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207161637/http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2015/01/26/3460468_deadly-philippine-clash-strains.html?rh=1|url-status=dead}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/26/filipino-police-killed_n_6546248.html|title=Toll Of Filipino Commandos Killed In Rebel Clash Rises To At Least 43|author=Jim Gomez|agency=Associated Press|work=The Huffington Post|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}} The Philippines mobilised more reinforcements though they were cautious in attempting to not create more civilian casualties. Reasons for the clashes and renewed hostilities are being attributed to a lack of communication between the PNP, the military, and MILF before undertaking the operation. It was thought of as "highly likely" that Zulkifli had been killed in the raid until the FBI provided DNA confirmation of his demise in the clash.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/416584/news/regions/dozens-feared-dead-in-maguindanao-clash-between-pnp-moro-rebels|title=Dozens feared dead in Maguindanao clash between PNP, Moro rebels|author=Ferdinandh Cabrera|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=25 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/philippines-rebels-idINKBN0KY0NO20150125|title=Philippine police clash with Muslim rebels in south, at least 30 dead|publisher=Reuters|date=25 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/416668/news/regions/acting-pnp-chief-retrieving-treating-casualties-in-maguindanao-clash-a-priority|title=Acting PNP chief: Retrieving, treating casualties in Maguindanao clash a priority|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=25 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/high-likelihood-malaysian-militant-killed-in-philippine-raid-26112838.html|title='High likelihood' Malaysian militant killed in Philippine raid|work=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=27 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/27/world/asia/scores-of-philippine-police-officers-killed-in-firefight-with-rebels.html?_r=0|title=Scores of Philippine Police Officers Killed in Firefight With Rebels|author=Floyd Whaley|work=The New York Times|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/police-commandos-killed-in-clash-with-muslim-insurgents-in-philippines-1422243152|title=Philippine Commandos Killed in Raid Over Suspected Terrorist|author=Trefor Moss|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/1/26/Philippines-fight-kill.html|title=Rebel fighters kill dozens of Philippines commandoes|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Al Jazeera America|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-27/suspected-bali-bomber-likely-killed-in-the-philippines/6049798|title='High likelihood' suspected Bali bomber among dead in Philippines clashes, official says|work=Agence France-Presse|publisher=ABC Online|date=27 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/01/27/wisma-putra-awaits-report-claim-malaysian-killed-philippine-battle/|title=Wisma Putra awaits report on claim Malaysian killed in Philippine battle|publisher=The Rakyat Post|date=27 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=26 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626155647/http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/01/27/wisma-putra-awaits-report-claim-malaysian-killed-philippine-battle/|url-status=dead}}

Reports say that he was killed by SAF officer(s) on 25 January 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/81958-marwan-target-saf-maguindanao|title=Dead or alive? Top terrorist was cops' target|author=Carmela Fonbuena|publisher=Rappler|date=26 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}} Early in the morning of 25 January 2015, Zulkifli was reportedly taken by surprise as his nipa hut was raided by SAF member(s) who proceeded to shoot and kill Zulkifli after a brief exchange of fire. The commandos sent a cellphone message back to their base saying: "Mike 1 bingo", a code to be used in case Zulkifli was neutralised.{{cite web|url=http://www.nst.com.my/node/71431|title=Is Marwan dead? Philippines awaits answer of costly terror raid|agency=Associated Press|publisher=New Straits Times|date=31 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}} An SAF officer severed one of Zulkifli's fingers and retrieved a hair sample to bring back for official DNA testing, as Zulkifli's body could not be recovered in time due to heavy fire.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/669055/marwan-finger-cut-off-for-dna|title=Marwan finger cut off for DNA|author=Arlyn de la Cruz|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=30 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}} His corpse was quickly buried by civilians in accordance with Islamic tradition. Regional governor Mujiv Sabbihi Hataman has stated that the body could not be exhumed as that would go against Islamic burial practices.{{cite web|url=http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/purported-photo-of-slain-malaysian.html|title=Purported photo of slain Malaysian bomber Marwan surfaces in Southern Philippines|publisher=Mindanao Examiner|date=29 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207172433/http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/purported-photo-of-slain-malaysian.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/425229/news/specialreports/where-s-marwan-s-body-and-other-questions-on-the-mamasapano-clash|title=Where's Marwan's body? And other questions on the Mamasapano clash|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=4 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}} The FBI were requested to help confirm Marwan's DNA samples.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/420147/news/nation/dna-samples-sent-to-fbi-to-confirm-if-terrorist-killed-by-pnp-saf-was-marwan|title=DNA samples sent to FBI to confirm if terrorist killed by PNP-SAF was Marwan|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=29 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/30/dna-testing-of-marwan-remains-sent-stateside/|title=DNA testing of Marwan remains sent stateside|author1=Joyce Pangco Panares|author2=Florante S. Solmerin|publisher=Manila Standard Today|date=30 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=2 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202093531/http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/30/dna-testing-of-marwan-remains-sent-stateside/|url-status=dead}}

The status of his death remained controversial for a while after it was reported, due to the Sulu airstrike incident in 2012, where the military incorrectly reported Zulkifli's death until August 2014. Despite claims of his demise, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) claimed that Marwan was still alive. The MNLF confirmed Zulkifli's demise in the clash and continues to state that they have not been sheltering Zulkifli.{{cite web|url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/28/is-marwan-dead-or-not-reports-vary/|title=Is Marwan dead or not? Reports vary|author=Francisco Tuyay|publisher=Manila Standard Today|date=28 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=31 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131220931/http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/28/is-marwan-dead-or-not-reports-vary/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/421225/news/nation/milf-says-marwan-dead-usman-still-alive|title=MILF says Marwan dead, Usman still alive|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=30 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}} The MNLF said that based on an intelligence report they received that said Marwan is dead as a result of the encounter. MILF chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim also told that Abdul Basit Usman, who was also pursued by SAF troops was able to escape.

It was reported that his last words as he attempted to fire against the SAF officers raiding his nipa hut were "Allahu Akbar!"{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/02/10/Marwan-last-words/|title=Marwan's last words in gunbattle|author=The Star Online|work=The Star Online|date=10 February 2015|access-date=14 February 2015}}

On 4 February 2015, the FBI sent a message to Philippine authorities confirming that the DNA obtained from the killed man during the PNP Special Action Force Operation Exodus was from Zulkifli. Though absolute identification was not possible in the preliminary stages of testing, the FBI has reported that the DNA samples were very likely to be Zulkifli's due to striking similarities.{{cite news|title=BREAKING DNA match, as confirmed by FBI, proves Marwan was killed|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104402/breaking--dna-match-as-confirmed-by-fbi-proves-marwan-was-killed|access-date=4 February 2015|agency=Interaksyon|date=4 February 2015|archive-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204155314/http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104402/breaking--dna-match-as-confirmed-by-fbi-proves-marwan-was-killed|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104402/breaking--dna-match-as-confirmed-by-fbi-proves-marwan-was-killed|title=DNA match, as confirmed by FBI, proves Marwan was killed|author=DJ Sta. Ana|publisher=News5|date=4 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209072457/http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104402/breaking--dna-match-as-confirmed-by-fbi-proves-marwan-was-killed|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/118297/fbi-confirms-marwans-death-report/|title=FBI officially confirms SAF commandos killed Marwan|author=Matikas Santos|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=4 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-31136069|title=Top suspect Zulkifli bin Hir likely dead in Philippines - FBI|work=BBC News|date=4 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/02/05/1420237/fbi-dna-results-indicate-marwan-dead|title=FBI: DNA results indicate Marwan dead|author=Pia Lee Brago|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=5 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/wanted-al-qaeda-linked-islamist-believed-dead-philippines-raid-fbi-n300116|title=Wanted Al Qaeda-Linked Islamist Believed Dead in Philippines Raid: FBI|author=Pete Williams|work=NBC News|date=5 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015}}

The FBI officially confirmed Zulkifli's death on April 1, 2015.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-rebels-marwan/fbi-says-one-of-its-most-wanted-terrorists-confirmed-dead-idUSKBN0MS5BI20150401|title=FBI confirms death of militant with DNA from severed finger|date=1 April 2015|newspaper=Reuters|last1=Edwards|first1=Julia}}

His family in Malaysia have said that they have no intention to claim his body, his daughter said "To us, our father died a long time ago, there is no need to claim the body."{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=97023|title=My dad died long time ago, no need to claim his body|publisher=Daily Express|date=7 February 2015|access-date=8 February 2015}}

A male relative said; "Our family had been informed six times, over the years, that he had been killed. I am tired of saying Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return). All he told us were lies after lies. We are the ones who were forced to face the predicament of his doings. More so after he was labeled as the mastermind behind the 2002 Bali Bombings." adding that the only person who still saw the good in Marwan was his mother. The same male relative spoke angrily of Zulkifli's brother Rahmat and claimed that he was highly impressionable and was manipulated by Zulkifli into providing the support that he did. The relative blamed Zulkifli for ruining Rahmat's life, including for his children and wife.

• Mamasapano clash
• Abu Sayyaf
• Abdul Basit Usman
• Azahari Husin
• Noordin Mohammad Top
• Jemaah Islamiyah
• Khadaffy Janjalani
• Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia
• Umar Patek

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/03/11/us5m-bounty-malaysian-terrorist US$5M bounty up for Malaysian terrorist] at the ABS-CBN News
• [https://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2007-08-02-4258089981_x.htm Brothers face terror-related charges] at the USA Today
• [https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2007/August/07_nsd_578.html Specially Designated Global Terrorist and His Brother Indicted for Providing Material Support to Terrorists] at the United States Department of Justice
• [https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-9th-circuit/1009018.html UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Rahmat Abd HIR, Defendant-Appellant], transcript of legal documents from the trial of Rahmat Abd Hir.

• [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/04/15/saf-survivor-urged-go-back-tell-real-story SAF survivor urged: Go back, tell the real story] at the ABS-CBN News

• [https://archive.org/details/MariaRessaOnZulkifliAbdhir Audio of award winning journalist Maria Ressa reporting on the story].
• {{youTube|id=l6TJKxAT0sY|title="After 2 years, PH military says Marwan is likely alive"}} (Report by Maria Ressa on Rappler in 2014).

{{Moro insurgency in the Philippines}}

{{Terrorism in Malaysia}}

{{IslamismSEA}}

{{War on Terror}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1966 births

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Category:Terrorism in the Philippines

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Category:Jemaah Islamiyah

Category:Leaders of jihadist groups

Category:FBI Most Wanted Terrorists

Category:Moro conflict

Category:Islamism in Malaysia

Category:Deaths by firearm in the Philippines