Nicaragua Ends Visa-Free Entry for Cubans, Disrupting Key Migration Route to the U.S. 
China Overturns Death Sentence of Canadian Robert Schellenberg, Signaling Thaw in Canada-China Relations 
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue 
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
Japan Election 2026: Sanae Takaichi Poised for Landslide Win Despite Record Snowfall 
Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington as Iran Nuclear Talks Intensify 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Bangladesh Election 2026: A Turning Point After Years of Political Suppression 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Congratulates Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi After Historic Election Victory 
Taiwan Says Moving 40% of Semiconductor Production to the U.S. Is Impossible 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Ghislaine Maxwell to Invoke Fifth Amendment at House Oversight Committee Deposition 
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project 
The Taliban said it was not aware that fallen al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri was living in Kabul following a US strike on Zawahiri this week. The insurgent group also warned Washington not to make another attack on Afghan soil.
The Doha-based Taliban representative of the United Nations, Suhail Shaheen, issued a statement following the recent strike the US carried out on al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri Sunday. Shaheen said the Taliban was not informed of the presence of Zawahiri, who is wanted for a reward of $25 million.
The statement comes as the insurgent group has remained silent about the drone that killed Zawahiri, who was standing on his balcony in his residence in the Afghan capital Kabul, in another blow to militants in the area since the raid on Osama bin Laden by US Navy SEALS over 10 years ago.
“The government and the leadership wasn’t aware of what is being claimed nor any trace there,” said Shaheen. “Investigation is underway now to find out the veracity of the claim.”
Shaheen added that the results of the probe would be released to the public.
“If such incidents are repeated again and if the territory of Afghanistan is violated then responsibility for any consequences will be on United States,” said the insurgent group regarding the drone strike.
Three sources noted that the Taliban leaders were holding discussions about how to respond to the drone strike by Washington.
The death of Zawahiri in Kabul has also raised concerns on whether the Taliban offered the al Qaeda leader sanctuary despite assurances from the insurgent group back in 2020 that with the withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the Taliban will not harbor other militant groups.
Shaheen said the Taliban was committed to the Doha agreement.
Several countries reacted to the death of Zawahiri following US President Joe Biden’s announcement. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the strike on Zawahiri was a “step toward a safer world.”
Former US President Barack Obama said he hopes “it provides a small measure of peace to the 9/11 families and everyone else who has suffered at the hands of al Qaeda.”
British foreign secretary Liz Truss said “the world will be a safer place” after the strike on Zawahiri.
