A meticulously prepared operation. Almost a year after their chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in connection with the rise to power of the Taliban, the US security forces demonstrated with the elimination of the leader of Al-Qaeda in Kabul, made public on the night of Monday to Tuesday, that they were actually far from having abandoned their operations in the country.
The drone strike that neutralized Ayman al-Zawahiri, who took command of the terrorist organization in 2011 after the death of Osama bin Laden, was possible after months of planning. But also thanks to a weapon whose existence has never been confirmed, the Hellfire R9X “flying ginsu” missiles, cutting their target to pieces.
Seen several times on his balcony in Kabul
It all started several months ago, when US officials learned through various intelligence channels of the presence in the Afghan capital of Ayman al-Zawahiri’s wife and children. US intelligence is then on the trail of the terrorist leader. The man of Egyptian origin is a priority target for Washington. In addition to leading Al-Qaeda for more than 10 years, he would be one of the intellectual authors of the September 11 attacks, in which more than 3,000 people died.
Despite the greatest precautions taken by his wife not to reveal his hiding place, Ayman al-Zawahiri is identified in a building in central Kabul.
“We have identified Zawahiri on numerous occasions, and for long periods, on his balcony, where he was finally shot,” a senior US official explained on Monday night, after the announcement of the death of the number 1 of Al Qaeda.
President Joe Biden is informed. A top-secret operation is then set up to neutralize the terrorist. Among the main requirements: above all not to cause civilian casualties, even within Zawahiri’s family. The building is scrupulously studied, as well as its occupants.
In May or June, the first proposals for operations are sent to Joe Biden. A minimum number of advisers is sensitized, to avoid any risk of absconding.
Biden authorizes the operation on July 25
On July 1, the US president brings together the highest US officials in the famous “situation room” of the White House, including Bill Burns, director of the CIA, Avril Haines, director of national intelligence, and Jake Sullivan, advisor to national security. During this meeting, Joe Biden is “very involved in the discussions and immersed in the information.” He asks questions about “what we know and how we know it,” an official told CNN.
Around the table, the intelligence chiefs even brought with them a model of the building. Joe Biden wants to make sure that the weather or even the materials in the house don’t affect any neutralization attempts. At the same time, a team of legal experts examines the data provided and establishes the legal basis for the operation.
On Monday, July 25, while in isolation after his Covid-19 infection, Joe Biden reunites his close guard. According to several sources cited by the US media, he asks for a “microscopic level” of details so as not to cause civilian casualties. At the end of the meeting, the American president authorizes a targeted attack.
Killed by a drone on his balcony
On Sunday July 31 at dawn, an American drone flies over Kabul. Ayman al-Zawahiri standing on his balcony.
“The attack was finally carried out … by a drone. Two Hellfire missiles (are fired at) Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is killed,” a senior US official said. “They killed him on the balcony.” None of his family members were injured.
According to information provided by the White House, the operation required the use of a weapon whose existence has never been confirmed: Hellfire R9X “flying ginsu” missiles, named after a Japanese-inspired American brand of knives.
This modified version of the US missile would be devoid of an explosive charge but equipped with six blades that deploy before impact to slice through the target without explosive effect. A photo of the car of a suspected target in Syria in 2017 shows a gaping hole in the roof of the vehicle, the interior smashed, but the front and rear intact.
“This mission was carefully prepared”, greeted Joe Biden in his speech, and it was “a success”.
Source: BFM TV
