The spokesperson for the Taliban government, Zabihullah Mujahid, revealed developments in the search for the body of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. In an interview with "Al Arabiya," he stated that there is no evidence of al-Zawahiri's body being in Afghanistan. He also mentioned that investigations into al-Zawahiri's death are still ongoing, indicating that no results have been reached so far.
Additionally, Mujahid discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the absence of Taliban leader Mullah Hebatullah, stating that there are no extremist groups in Afghanistan. He added that ISIS emerged and penetrated during the American presence in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the Taliban government does not acknowledge reports that indicate the presence of ISIS in the country.
Mujahid explained that Mullah Hebatullah's absence from speeches is linked to security and religious necessities. He also stated in the "Al Arabiya" interview: "We do not support the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), nor do we interfere in the affairs of other countries." The Taliban government spokesperson affirmed that there are no differences or divisions within the movement. He said, "Afghanistan fulfilled its promise in the Doha Agreement, but America did not."
Notably, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on August 2 that the United States killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul. American officials stated that the U.S. killed al-Zawahiri with a missile fired from a drone while he was standing on the balcony of a house where he was hiding in July, marking the most significant blow to the organization since U.S. special forces killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.
This operation is the first strike announced by the United States on a target in Afghanistan since Washington withdrew its forces from the country on August 31 of last year, just days after the Taliban regained control. Al-Zawahiri is also believed to have been the mastermind behind al-Qaeda operations, including the September 11 attacks, and was bin Laden's personal physician.
