News

Al Qaeda Leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri Killed In U.S. Drone Strike, Biden Announces

The United States killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike over the weekend, President Joe Biden confirmed in a speech from the White House balcony on Monday.

“People around the world no longer need to fear the vicious and determined killer,” he said. “The United States continues to demonstrate our resolve and our capacity to defend the American people against those who seek to do us harm. We make 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.”

Zawahiri was killed by two Hellfire missiles at 6:18 a.m. local time in Kabul on Sunday. The U.S. has obtained “visual confirmation,” according to the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby.

The President and U.S. intelligence community had been working on taking out Osama bin Laden‘s successor for months. Both played crucial roles in the planning and carrying out of the September 11, 2001, attacks. After Zawahiri, 71, was moved to a safe house in Kabul earlier this year to reunite with his family, intelligence was able to identify patterns in his whereabouts. He was known to spend extended periods of time outside on the balcony.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

It was important to Biden and the U.S. that no one else was harmed in the killing of Zawahiri, including his family members, meaning that efforts began to ensure the building stayed intact during the attack. They also considered how an attack would affect the return of Mark Frerichs, an American hostage in Afghanistan.

“Going forward with the Taliban, we will continue to hold them accountable for their actions. And we have made clear to them in the intervening days that we also expect them to take no action that would harm Mark Frerichs, as we were involved in the effort to secure his release after his long detention and captivity,” an official confirmed.

No civilians or family members were harmed.

Rose Carter

Recent Posts

Democrats Attack Green Party Nominee Jill Stein In New Ad

A new ad about Green Party candidate Jill Stein has been released by Vice President Kamala Harris'…

15 hours ago

Jennifer Lopez Says Trump ‘Offended Every Latino In The Country’ With MSG Joke At Harris Rally

https://youtu.be/inbJpo6D4BQ Jennifer Lopez, campaigning with Kamala Harris on Oct. 31 in Nevada, said Donald Trump’s…

15 hours ago

Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn Says ‘Gates Of Hell’ Will Be Opened On Opponents If Trump Is Reelected

Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn declared that the "gates of hell" would be unleashed if former…

2 days ago

VIDEO: Kamala Harris Hugs First Person In Line For Her Ellipse Rally, Chats With Her Mom

https://youtu.be/JQCdk-71tG0 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris met with the woman who was the first in…

2 days ago

VIDEO: Harris Vows To Put ‘Country Above Party’ In Front Of 75,000 People At The Ellipse

https://youtu.be/xc72fdqkaVc Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to put “country above party and above self” as…

3 days ago

Trump-Friendly Judge Aileen Cannon In The Running For Attorney General If Former President Wins Second Term

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has reportedly been placed on a list of potential attorney general candidates…

3 days ago