Families and groups of victims of 9/11 celebrated the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Afghanistan over the weekend, although they stressed that more must be done to hold accountable the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in 2001.
9/ Justice, a grassroots organization made up of survivors of the 11 September, as well as first responders and families of the victims, noted that they were grateful for President Biden, and viewed Zawahiri’s death as a victory in the fight against terrorism.
“This is an important step forward and is particularly significant for the community of the 11 September as we continue our years-long battle for justice and accountability,” said 9/11 Justice in a statement granted by Fox News.
The group highlighted Biden’s work to declassify documents on the scope of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the terrorist attacks of the 11 September.
“We urge President Biden to continue to support the community of the 11 September and all those seeking justice by holding Saudi Arabia responsible for the 11 September”, added 9/11 Justice.
The president of 9/11 Families United, Terry Strada, assured that she was grateful for the commitment of the agencies and the sacrifices of the armed forces to eliminate terrorist threats.
However, he emphasized that Biden must hold accountable the Saudi paymasters who financed the 2001 terrorist attack.
“Financiers are not being targeted by drones, they are being greeted with fists and housed in golf clubs Strada said. “If we’re going to be serious about accountability, we need to hold everyone accountable.”
A senior administration official confirmed Zawahri’s death to Fox News and said the United States carried out a counter-terrorism operation against “a major Al Qaeda target in Afghanistan.”
Brad Blakeman, who lost his nephew in the attack on the Twin Towers and served as a senior adviser to former President George W. Bush , joined the congratulations to the Biden Administration.
“It was a long day to arrive. It should have been done a long time ago if we had the chance,” Blakeman said.
Meanwhile, Alice M. Greenwald, President and CEO of National September 11 Memorial & Museum, noted that Zawahiri’s death “demonstrates how the history of the of September continues to evolve, even 21 years later, and reinforces the need for us to continue educating the older generations young people about the continuing impact of 11 September on the world we live in today”.
President Joe Biden confirmed on Monday that the US government executed Zawahiri during a counter-terrorism operation carried out by a drone in Kabul, Afghanistan.
During a televised speech from the balcony of the Blue Room of the White House, Biden stated that “ justice has been done” for Zawahiri’s death, noting that e the world “no longer has to fear this ruthless and constant killer”.
With information from Fox News