On Sunday, a CIA-operated drone killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the al-Qaeda Leader, as authorized by President Biden.
Image Credit: Reuters
The United States has completed an counter-terrorism operation in Kabul over the weekend. The operation took place at a safe house where two drone strikes were directed to fire at Ayman al-Zawahiri at 9:48 p.m. ET. There were other civilians and family members present during the attack but none were harmed, officials report. Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, states that Afghanistan “strongly condemns this attack on any pretext and calls it a clear violation of international principles and the Doha Agreement.”
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Mick Mulroy stated that: “The strike that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman Al-Zawahri is a major success of U.S. counter-terrorism efforts. A result of countless hours of intelligence collection over many years.”
Similarly, Senator Ted Cruz also expressed that: “This is an important accomplishment. All Americans will breathe easier today knowing Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of Al-Qaeda, has been eliminated. This strike should be a message to terrorists near and far: if you conspire to kill Americans, we will find and kill you.”
Who is Ayman al-Zawahiri?
The 71-year-old Egyptian born terrorist and doctor became the leader of the al-Qaeda following the death of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. It is reported by the BBC that al-Zawahiri worked in collaboration with Osama Bin Laden in the 9/11 attacks, making him one of the most wanted terrorists on the USA’s list.
President Biden’s Statement
In a live television address from the White House, President Biden delivered a statement regarding the death of the leader: “I authorized a precision strike that would remove him from the battlefield, once and for all.”
“From hiding, he co-ordinated al-Qaeda’s branches and all around the world, including setting priorities for providing operational guidance and calling for and inspired attacks against US targets,” Biden added.
He continued, “He carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats, and American interests. Now, justice has been delivered. And this terrorist leader is no more.”
“To those who continue to seek to harm the United States, hear me now: We will always remain vigilant and we will act — and we will always do what is necessary to ensure the safety and security of Americans at home and around the globe,” President Biden concluded.
Watch the full statement here.
Published by HOLR Magazine.