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US President Biden
Photo: JIM WATSON / AFP
The US killed al-Qaeda leader Aiman al-Zawahiri in an airstrike in the Afghan capital Kabul.
'Justice has been served.
This terrorist leader is no longer alive, ”said US President Joe Biden during a television speech on Monday evening (local time).
The successful operation is a clear signal to all enemies of the USA: "No matter how long it takes, no matter where you are hiding: If you are a threat to our population, the USA will find you and eliminate you."
The US President gave his speech on the balcony of the White House because he had tested positive again after his corona disease and is in isolation.
A US government official had previously announced a successful operation against the al-Qaeda terrorist network in Afghanistan, without giving details.
Al-Zawahiri had taken over the leadership of al-Qaeda after the death of Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US special forces in Pakistan in 2011.
Born in Egypt, al-Zawahiri was considered a central figure behind the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States that killed around 3,000 people.
The United States put a $25 million bounty on his head.
In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that an attack had taken place.
He condemned the attack as a violation of "international principles."
Jul/dpa/AFP
