(Reuters) – The United States killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a strike in Afghanistan over the weekend, the biggest blow to the militant group since its founder Osama bin Laden was killed in 2011.
U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, IN REMARKS FROM WHITE HOUSE
“Now justice has been delivered, and this terrorist leader is no more. 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.”
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN, IN STATEMENT
“In the face of the Taliban’s unwillingness or inability to abide by their commitments, we will continue to support the Afghan people with robust humanitarian assistance and to advocate for the protection of their human rights, especially of women and girls.”
SAUDI ARABIA FOREIGN MINISTRY, CITED BY STATE NEWS AGENCY
“Zawahiri is considered one of the leaders of terrorism that led the planning and execution of heinous terrorist operations in the United States and Saudi Arabia.”
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU, ON TWITTER
“The death of Ayman al-Zawahiri is a step toward a safer world. Canada will keep working with our global partners to counter terrorist threats, promote peace and security, and keep people here at home and around the world safe.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, ON TWITTER
“Tonight’s news is also proof that it’s possible to root out terrorism without being at war in Afghanistan. And I hope it provides a small measure of peace to the 9/11 families and everyone else who has suffered at the hands of al-Qaeda.”
(Compiled by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
