Top al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri killed in US airstrike

News Headlines, August 2, 2022

Top al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri killed in US airstrike
President Biden confirmed a U.S. airstrike killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri - who he says was "deeply involved" in in the planning of the 9/11 terror attacks. "Justice has been delivered," said Mr. Biden during a Monday night address to the nation. Al Qaeda Chief Ayman al-Zawahiri was one of the world's most wanted terrorists and a mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Ayman al-Zawahiri "carved a trail of murder and violence" against Americans and US intelligence officials tracked him to a home in downtown Kabul where he was hiding.

The strike, carried out by a CIA-operated Air Force drone, occurred at 6:18 a.m. Sunday local time in Kabul as the al Qaeda leader stood on the



balcony of his house, the official said.

Two dead in California wildfire
Two bodies were found inside a burned out car in the McKinney Fire zone near Yreka Sunday, the first known fatalities during the fire. California's Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency over the fire, which began on Friday afternoon.

US announces USD 550 million military aid to Ukraine
The White House announced on Monday that the United States would send another $550 million in arms to Ukraine to help it fend off Russian army. The total American investment in war fighting there is now more than $8 billion since the invasion started in February 2022.

Rishi Sunak tries to close the gap on rival in UK PM race
On Monday Rishi Sunak pledged a big income tax cut in the next few years, in what critics said was a U-turn forced by pressure from Truss's campaign. Sunak said he would cut the basic rate of income tax from 20% to 16% by 2029. "I want to make sure that we can pay for it, I want to make sure that we can do it alongside growing the economy," he said. However, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is leading the race to replace Boris Johnson as UK's next prime minister by 90 per cent, according to a latest survey by betting exchange firm Smarkets.

Monkeypox cases in India: Kerala confirms India's first death
India has confirmed its first death caused by monkeypox in the southern state of Kerala. A 22-year-old man, who had recently travelled to the state from the United Arab Emirates, died on Saturday. Total tally has reached six and Delhi has reported its 2nd case.