The United States killed the head of Al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike, US President Joe Biden announced. 
He was hit with a precision strike in Kabul. The international terrorist himself was on the balcony at the time of the strike.
This seems like a US-Pakistan joint operation, with the ISI striking a deal with the Americans.
As information trickles in, it would be important to note the role of Haqqani network in this operation.
Given the recent history of Pakistan Afghanistan skirmishes in the Wakan corridor, this is a master stroke by the Pakistanis.
The strike has weakened the position of Taliban domestically as well as internationally.
After the exit of ex PM Imran Khan, Gen. Bajwa has been trying to cosy up with the US. In fact the military leadership had recently made demands to the US for releasing aid.
One may see an unfreezing of Afghan international assets; solidifying the US influence on the beleaguered country.
Two local consequences need to be watched closely in the coming days;
firstly a possible split in the ruling Taliban secondly the reaction of Tehrik E Taliban (TTP) in Pakistan to this ‘collaboration’.
firstly a possible split in the ruling Taliban secondly the reaction of Tehrik E Taliban (TTP) in Pakistan to this ‘collaboration’.
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