Wow -- #Zawahiri killed in a U.S. drone strike in the #Kabul area over the weekend -- the 1st strike since the #Taliban's takeover of #Afghanistan in August 2021.
BIG blow for #AlQaeda's central leadership, but huge questions about how he was located (or who sold him out).
BIG blow for #AlQaeda's central leadership, but huge questions about how he was located (or who sold him out).
https://twitter.com/Charles_Lister/status/1549394685671653376
In Nov 2020, I wrote about #AlQaeda's looming "succession crisis" -- as the group's most likely No.2 (Sayf al-Adel) is based in #Iran, a location that for most AQ affiliates, has resulted in deep distrust.
jihadica.com/al-qaedas-lead…
AQ's decentralization will only increase now.
jihadica.com/al-qaedas-lead…
AQ's decentralization will only increase now.
For years, #AlQaeda has been under a self-reinforcing process of decentralization (& localization) -- whereby the central leadership remained a key guide, but an increasingly irrelevant source of strategic command.
More on that, in this lengthy piece:
hudson.org/research/15533…
More on that, in this lengthy piece:
hudson.org/research/15533…
This is reportedly an image from the scene of the strike, in #Kabul's Sherpur neighborhood.
The apparent lack of explosive damage may suggest the U.S. used an R9X 'flying ginsu' missile, which is inert & carries self-deploying blades to kill a target with no collateral damage.
The apparent lack of explosive damage may suggest the U.S. used an R9X 'flying ginsu' missile, which is inert & carries self-deploying blades to kill a target with no collateral damage.
R9X missiles have been deployed a number of times by JSOC in NW #Syria to target senior #AlQaeda figures -- they're extraordinarily precise & have worked to great effect until now.
See here, for example, from June 2020.
I've not seen one used on a building before, though.
See here, for example, from June 2020.
I've not seen one used on a building before, though.
Sources in #Afghanistan are now confirming -- this building in which #Zawahiri was killed was owned by Sirajuddin Haqqani, whose son & son-in-law also died in the strike.
Stunning. He's the #Taliban's de facto deputy leader.
Stunning. He's the #Taliban's de facto deputy leader.
NEW -- some fresh thoughts & analysis on the death of #AlQaeda leader Ayman al-#Zawahiri in a U.S. drone strike in #Kabul.
In short: a massive CT victory for the #Biden admin; with profound consequences for #Afghanistan & for AQ's agenda worldwide.
mei.edu/publications/s…
In short: a massive CT victory for the #Biden admin; with profound consequences for #Afghanistan & for AQ's agenda worldwide.
mei.edu/publications/s…
#Biden confirms strike killed #AlQaeda leader #Zawahiri on Saturday -- "he carved a trail of murder & violence against American citizens, diplomats, and interests."
NEW -- #Zawahiri was located in #Kabul "earlier this year" when he moved there "to be with his family."
The strike was approved a week ago. No civilian casualties.
The strike was approved a week ago. No civilian casualties.
NEW -- senior #Biden admin officials now saying that #Haqqani Network leaders were aware of #Zawahiri's presence in #Kabul.
Immediately after the strike, #Haqqani operatives sealed off the area & relocated #Zawahiri's relatives.
A damning indictment of #Taliban credibility.
Immediately after the strike, #Haqqani operatives sealed off the area & relocated #Zawahiri's relatives.
A damning indictment of #Taliban credibility.
No doubt, killing #Zawahiri is a big win for #Biden & a major achievement for the U.S. & allies.
BUT let's take a breath -- the leader of #AlQaeda was being harbored *by the #Taliban* in *the capital* of #Afghanistan.
Not exactly a reassuring signal of what's to come.
BUT let's take a breath -- the leader of #AlQaeda was being harbored *by the #Taliban* in *the capital* of #Afghanistan.
Not exactly a reassuring signal of what's to come.
Senior #Biden admin official:
For several years, U.S. intel was aware of a network supporting #Zawahiri.
Earlier this year, intel located #Zawahiri’s wife & children in #Kabul, then tied #Zawahiri to that same location.
For several years, U.S. intel was aware of a network supporting #Zawahiri.
Earlier this year, intel located #Zawahiri’s wife & children in #Kabul, then tied #Zawahiri to that same location.
Senior #Biden admin official:
Senior #Haqqani figures were aware of #Zawahiri’s presence in #Kabul -- “That’s a big deal… They own this.”
After the strike, there was a concerted effort to restrict access to the site. #Zawahiri’s wife & children were moved to a new location.
Senior #Haqqani figures were aware of #Zawahiri’s presence in #Kabul -- “That’s a big deal… They own this.”
After the strike, there was a concerted effort to restrict access to the site. #Zawahiri’s wife & children were moved to a new location.
Senior #Biden admin official:
#Zawahiri produced multiple videos at the location in #Kabul — further video releases (recorded pre-death) wouldn't be a surprise.
Dialogue with the #Taliban will continue — it has done in the intervening days — to ensure they abide by #Doha deal.
#Zawahiri produced multiple videos at the location in #Kabul — further video releases (recorded pre-death) wouldn't be a surprise.
Dialogue with the #Taliban will continue — it has done in the intervening days — to ensure they abide by #Doha deal.
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