looked at the posted photos released by msnbc. postage lable has A. Ismail on it, a continuation of that item. Secondly, some of the pictures show a reddish circular area on his forehead - Dr. A Zarihiri has one - sign of devotion (carpet burn).
Reports also say that this was done in response to what was done to his ‘brothers and sisters’, which could be an oblique reference to palistinians or iraqis (in general). Also reportedly shaved his hair off. Isn’t something similar a jihadic ritual?
Tentative - Speculative OPINION: Yes.
That said, this guy seems to be all over the place.
I really would like to read an unedited copy of his “manifesto” aka “long rambling note” before coming to any conclusion.