U.S. drone strike kills Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, in Kabul

Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has been killed by a US airstrike in Afghanistan, according to US media reports.

US president Joe Biden is set to deliver an address to the nation at 7:30pm in Washington D.C.(12.30am UK time).

A senior official in his administration said, “Over the weekend, the United States conducted a counterterrorism operation against a significant Al Qaeda target in Afghanistan.

“The operation was successful and there were no civilian casualties.”

Mr Biden is due to speak from the balcony off the White House Blue Room as he remains in isolation in the residence while he continues to test positive for COVID-19.

The death of al-Zawahiri would be the biggest blow to al Qaeda since its founder Osama bin Laden was killed by US special forces in 2011.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a drone strike was carried out by the CIA in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has confirmed that a strike took place and strongly condemned it, calling it a violation of “international principles”.