Ayman al-Zawahiri Tags - Top News Sites

Ayman al-Zawahiri Killed in US Drone Strike Authorized by Biden

Edward Anderson on September 5, 2022

On Monday, President Joe Biden delivered a speech in the White House announcing that the United States killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, an al-Qaeda leader, in a drone strike.

“I authorized a precision strike that would remove him from the battlefield, once and for all,” said Biden.

Ayman al-Zawahiri

Eleven years after Osama bin Laden’s death, Ayman al-Zawahiri was an international symbol of al-Qaeda.

He was considered Bin Laden’s right-hand man and experts believed he was the “operational mastermind” behind the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

Since 9/11, Zawahiri has become al-Qaeda’s most prominent spokesperson, releasing four times as many videos and tapes radicalizing and recruiting Muslims worldwide.

What happened

Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed on Sunday in a counter-terrorism operation in the Afghan capital Kabul.

The operation was conducted by the CIA.

According to Biden, Zawahiri was hiding in central Kabul to reunite with his family.

The Al-Qaeda leader was later killed in what a senior government official called a “bespoke air strike” that used two Hellfire missiles.

The drone attack happened Saturday at 9:48 PM ET. The deal was approved by President Biden after weeks of meetings with his cabinet and senior adviser.

There were no US personnel on the ground in Kabul during the drone attack.

Officials said Zawahiri was on the balcony of a hideout when the rockets struck.

Before the strike

According to the official, senior Taliban Haqqani figures were aware of the presence of the leader of Al-Qaeda in the region, in clear violation of the Doha agreements.

They also took steps to conceal his presence after Saturday’s strike, restricted access to the shelter and relocated Zawahiri’s family, including his daughter and children.

People were not intentionally attacked during the strike, but they were not injured.

The United States did not alert Taliban officials of the strike.

After the strike

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid tweeted about the strike.

“An air strike was carried out on a residential house in Sherpur area of Kabul city on July 31,” he wrote.

“The nature of the incident was not apparent at first.”

He revealed that the Islamic Emirate’s security and intelligence services were investigating the incident and “initial findings revealed that the attack was carried out by a US drone.”

Mujahid’s tweets were published before CNN began reporting on Zawahiri’s death.

He also said that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan “strongly condemns this attack on any pretext and calls it a clear violation of international principles and the Doha Agreement.”

Biden’s statement

President Joe Biden made the announcement Monday, saying Zawahiri and bin Laden planned the 9/11 attacks together.

“Since the United States delivered justice to bin Laden 11 years ago, Zawahiri has been a leader of al Qaeda,” said Biden.

“From hiding, he coordinated 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.”

“Now justice has been delivered and this terrorist leader is no more.”

Biden said the killing will bring justice to the families of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 attacks.

“No matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people, the United States will find you and take you out,” said the US President.

“We shall never waver from defending our nation and its people.”

References:

Ayman al Zawahiri: al Qaeda leader killed in US drone strike

US kills al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri in drone strike in Afghanistan

Americans Abroad Warned to Stay Vigilant, US State Department Wary of Anti-American Violence

Jason Robinson on August 29, 2022

After the death of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman a-Zawahiri, the US State Department warned Americans abroad to exercise extreme caution.

The warning came on Tuesday night and Americans should be wary of possible reprisals for the killings.

Travel advisory says there is “an increased likelihood of US violence following [Al-Zawahiri ]’s death” after US forces launched a drone strike on al-Zawahiri’s hideout in Kabul this weekend.

What did the State Department say?

A State Department statement contains recent information showing terrorist groups are planning attacks on US interests in multiple parts of the world.

The department said various tactics could be used in the attack, including suicidal operations, murders, kidnappings, kidnappings, attacks.

“As terrorist attacks, political violence (including demonstrations), criminal activities, and other security incidents often take place without any warnings, US citizens are strongly encouoraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.”

The department also advised US citizens overseas to follow local news and stay in touch with the nearest US embassy or consulate.

In addition, they advised people who want to travel abroad to consult country-specific travel tips and information sites.

This warning does not indicate an increased risk of an attack on the continental United States, but it does indicate anything is possible.

The statement

“The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against US citizens and interests overseas,”

“The Department of State believes there is a higher potential for anti-American violence given the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri on July 31, 2022.”

“Current information suggests that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests in multiple regions across the globe.”

“These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.”

“US citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.”

Cause of the warning

This warning was made 24 hours after Biden announced the murder of Zawahiri in the world, the important news of the victims of terrorist attacks in the event of 11 September is an important role in coordination. I did it.

Osama Bin Laden was succeeded after his murder in 2011, and managed to evade the US until last week.

Al-Qaeda has not yet publicly acknowledged the killing, showing how dangerous it is to the group’s power structure.

Statement by President Biden

On Monday, Biden broke the news of al-Zawahiri’s death, noting that the al-Qaeda leader befriended bin Laden as a militant in Afghanistan in the late 1980s. “Now justice has been done”, said the president, “the leader of this terrorist is gone.”

“Now, justice has been delivered, and this terrorist leader is no more,” said the President.

“We made it clear again tonight that no matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people, the United States will find you and take you out.”

“He carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats, and American interests,” Biden continued.

“To those around the world 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.”