The Taliban has released a statement condemning a United States airstrike in Kabul that killed the leader of Al-Qaeda.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid

In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said, “An airstrike was carried out on a residential house in the Sherpur area of Kabul city. Security and intelligence agencies of the Islamic Emirate investigated the incident and found that the attack was carried out by American drones. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns this attack on any pretext and calls it a clear violation of international principles and the Doha agreement. Such actions are a repetition of the failed experiences of the past 20 years and are against the interests of the United States of America, Afghanistan, and the region. Repeating such actions will damage avaialble opportunities.”

Ayman al-Zawahiri’s safehouse 

The statement from the Taliban comes after a senior white house official (speaking to two news outlets) said that top leaders of the Taliban were aware of Ayman al-Zawahiri’s presence in the city of Kabul.

Ayman al-Zawahiri’s safehouse 

Al Zawahiri was killed while standing on the balcony of his safehouse in the Sherpur area of Kabul. A drone firing two hellfire missiles killed him and severely injured his family members.