One of the world's most wanted terrorists is dead.
Ayman al-Zawahiri the successor to Osama Bin Laden as leader of al-Qaeda, has been killed by a US drone strike in Afghanistan.
With the details, here's our World News Editor Kate Gregan.
The early-morning strike in the heart of downtown Kabul capped a 21-year manhunt for the Egyptian radical.
"He carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens. He made videos including in recent weeks, calling for his followers to attack the United States and our allies. Now, justice has been delivered and this terrorist leader is no more," US President Joe Biden said following his death.
The strike was carried out by the CIA on the balcony of a safe house in Kabul.
The 71-year-old took over as leader of Al-Qaeda after Osama Bin Laden was killed by American special forces in 2011.
Before that, al-Zawahiri was his right-hand man – together, they declared war on the US, organising the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
US President Joe Biden says his death sends a clear message.
"No matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people the United States will find you and take you out."
Al-Zawahiri was born into a prominent family and became an eye surgeon.
He was imprisoned in the 1980s for his involvement in militant Islam – before settling in Afghanistan. There, he met bin Laden.
Al-Zawahiri was the mastermind of other acts of violence – including the suicide bombing of the USS Cole naval destroyer in 2000, which killed 17 sailors.
He was also charged by prosecutors for his role in the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya.
In recent years – although splintered, al-Qaeda still posed a threat to America and its Western Allies.
And – following America’s exit from Afghanistan, the extremist group began to rebuild.
Speaking with CNN, the former US Secretary of Defence, Leon Panetta said his death is a win for global security.
"The bottom line is this attack going after Zawahiri has made very clear that Al Qaeda does not have the leadership at this point in time to be able to be a threat to the United States and others.
Analysts believe a new al-Qaeda leader will no doubt emerge, but he will likely have less influence than his predecessor.
