Who was al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri?
The terrorist leader was believed to be the true architect behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Al Qaeda
Former U.S. diplomat on al-Zawahiri's death
Ayman al-Zawahiri, one of the key players behind the 9/11 terror attacks, was killed over the weekend during a U.S. drone strike in Kabul. CBS News' David Begnaud and Debra Alfarone speak with James Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Iraq and Turkey and the chair of the Wilson Center's Middle East Program, about the global implications of this attack.
Ayman al-Zawahiri (2004) | 60 Minutes Archive
Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed over the weekend in a drone strike during a U.S. counterterrorism operation, President Biden announced Monday night. In 2004, Ed Bradley reported on al-Zawahiri, said to be the mastermind behind Osama bin Laden.
U.S. reacts to death of al Qaeda leader
President Biden announced the U.S. killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in Afghanistan, and said "justice has been delivered" for families of 9/11 victims. Alice Greenwald, President and CEO of the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, joins CBS News to discuss how victims' families are reacting to the news.
H.R. McMaster on the Taliban and al Qaeda
CBS News foreign policy and national security contributor H.R. McMaster joined Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers to discuss the relationship between the Taliban and al Qaeda following the death of al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a U.S. counterterrorism drone strike.
Top al Qaeda leader killed by U.S. drone strike
CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge joined Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers with details on the U.S. operation in Afghanistan that led to the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al Qaeda and a key figure behind the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Al-Zawahiri killed in drone strike
President Biden announced a U.S. counterterrorism operation killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in Afghanistan. Al-Zawahiri helped plot some of the deadliest terrorist attacks against Americans, including on 9/11. Senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge has the details on how the U.S. tracked down the top terrorist target.
Michael Morell on future of al Qaeda
CBS News senior national security contributor Michael Morell joins “CBS Mornings” to talk about what the strike means for the future of al Qaeda and the country.
What to know about Ayman al-Zawahiri
Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al Qaeda and a major architect of the 9/11 attacks, was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan over the weekend. Here's what to know about the terrorist leader, who was considered the brains of Osama bin Laden's terror group.
Al-Zawahiri's death raises questions on Taliban's involvement
President Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan says the White House is communicating with the Taliban about their knowledge of al-Zawahiri's location.
U.S. kills al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri
President Biden has confirmed the death of al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan. CBS News' Lana Zak breaks down the significance of this attack with CBS News reporter Olivia Gazis.
Jake Sullivan on drone strike
National security adviser Jake Sullivan joins “CBS Morning” to give an inside look at the historic strike and what it means for the country's relationship with the Taliban.
U.S. kills al Qaeda leader in Afghanistan
A U.S. drone strike has killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Afghanistan. At the White House, President Biden said, “Now, justice has been delivered. And this terrorist leader is no more.” Voters in Kansas will be the first in the country since Roe v Wade was overturned to have their say, in voting today, on whether abortion should remain protected there. And WNBA star Brittney Griner returns to a Russian court a month after her trial began.
Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri killed in drone strike, Biden says
"Now, justice has been delivered," President Biden said Monday night. "And this terrorist leader is no more."
Skepticism about U.S.-Taliban peace talks
The Taliban is promising the U.S. it won't allow al Qaeda to have safe haven in Afghanistan if foreign troops withdraw from the country. Former acting CIA Director Michael Morell said such an agreement isn't enforceable and it would allow the Taliban to take over Afghanistan within six months of American departure. He joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano on "Red & Blue" with his analysis.
After 20 years in Guantanamo, man wants his art, and "another life"
U.S. officials have accepted for a while that Khalid Ahmed Qasim is no well-trained terror operative. He's finally set for release, but his future remains uncertain.
U.S. drone strike kills al Qaeda-linked commander on motorcycle in Syria
Abu Hamzah al Yemeni was a senior leader of Horas al-Din group. The attack was the latest in a series over the past few years targeting al Qaeda-linked militants in northwestern Syria.
Osama bin Laden's letters
As U.S. intelligence officials warned al Qaeda may be planning “spectacular attacks” in 2002, Osama bin Laden’s letters show that at that time, the terror organization was weak, and bin Laden was not the “puppet master” people thought he was. https://cbsn.ws/3vGf3DV
Inside America's efforts to avoid a new bin Laden, or "someone worse"
You may hear little about terror in Africa, but U.S. military commanders there say our enemies are "growing," and "it's only a matter of time" before they target America.
Justice Department to form domestic terrorism unit
The Justice Department will launch a new domestic terrorism unit. The new division was announced during testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. CBS News senior investigative reporter Catherine Herridge joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with the latest.
The full episode of the CBS Evening News from November 19, 2013
President Obama acknowledged Tuesday that the administration has lost time due to problems with HealthCare.gov but said the website continues to improve; and, no photograph has ever been found of President Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address. While Professor Christopher Oakley believes he found the president in a photo taken before the speech began, other scholars are skeptical.
The full episode of the CBS Evening News from December 26, 2013
The first indication of how much Americans spent on holiday shopping shows lower-than-expected figures. According to MasterCard SpendingPulse, retail shopping was up 2.3 percent, less than the 3.9 percent the National Retail Federation projected; and, Chicken farmer and romance novelist Catherine Elliott's latest works are aimed at a new audience: chickens.
The full episode of The CBS Evening News from January 11, 2014
Anthony Bosch ran a secret doping operation for pro athletes out of his clinic in Miami. He testified that Alex Rodriguez was his client and spoke publicly for the first time to Scott Pelley for "60 Minutes."; and, A chemical spill that contaminated and caused a shutdown of the water system in nine West Virginia counties has residents unsure when their water will be safe to use again.
The full episode of The CBS Evening News from January 14, 2014
A fast-moving brush fire is burning out of control, threatening homes east of Los Angeles. Hundreds of firefighters are trying to contain it, but strong winds are making that difficult; and, The first lady is about to turn the big 5-0. Chip Reid discusses Mrs. Obama's years in the White House with Robin Givhan, a Washington Post contributor, who covered the first lady during the president's first term.
The full episode of the CBS Evening News from January 3, 2014
Boston is shoveling out of a record snowfall, and now a deep freeze is taking hold across the Northeast; and, Steve Hartman meets Chris Rosati, a man with Lou Gehrig's Disease who cooked up a plan to steal a Krispy Kreme truck and give away its contents.
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees.
U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Live
Trump says Iran "not ready to make the right deal" as U.S. turns to economic warfare
As Vice President JD Vance declares economic pressure "the most effective tool that we have," Iran seeks to show deepening trade ties with its neighbors.
Supreme Court temporarily allows work on White House ballroom to continue
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stay that will remain in place until the Supreme Court takes further action.
First on CBS
Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon has given separation notices to both the publisher and the editor in chief of Stars and Stripes, according to people familiar with the matter.
Trump threatens defamation suit against left-leaning think tank
President Trump's legal team is threatening to sue left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress for defamation over a report it issued that found "no evidence that National Guard deployments have reduced violent crime."
Drastic water cuts issued for California, Nevada and Arizona from Colorado River
Federal officials announced sharp water cuts for the next two years on Friday for three Western states that rely on the imperiled Colorado River.
Nearly 25% of workers are "functionally unemployed," analysis finds
An alternative measure of unemployment that accounts for wages suggests the U.S. labor market is weaker than it looks.
Another child's room now a silent memorial to the toll of school shootings
In south Minneapolis, a second-floor bedroom remains much as it was. For the parents of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, it's something every American should see.
U.S.
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U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Drastic water cuts issued for California, Nevada and Arizona from Colorado River
Federal officials announced sharp water cuts for the next two years on Friday for three Western states that rely on the imperiled Colorado River.
Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire
"I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop," a pilot can be heard saying in air traffic control audio obtained by CBS News.
Trump campaigns with Darline Graham in South Carolina ahead of runoff
Sen. Darline Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman to replace her late brother on the ballot in November.
Another child's room now a silent memorial to the toll of school shootings
In south Minneapolis, a second-floor bedroom remains much as it was. For the parents of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, it's something every American should see.
MoneyWatch
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U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Politics
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U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees arrested as part of President Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
Trump threatens defamation suit against left-leaning think tank
President Trump's legal team is threatening to sue left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress for defamation over a report it issued that found "no evidence that National Guard deployments have reduced violent crime."
Trump campaigns with Darline Graham in South Carolina ahead of runoff
Sen. Darline Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman to replace her late brother on the ballot in November.
Reports of sexual assault in U.S. military declined for third straight year
The review included data from an anonymous survey conducted every other year that asks service members whether they've been the victim of unwanted sexual conduct or harassment.
HealthWatch
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Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella that has sickened dozens of people across 15 states has been linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, federal health officials said Friday.
Cardiac event reveals Olympian's rare heart condition: "There was a God present"
Olympian Jenny Simpson said she won't be able to run again after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition earlier this year.
Mom says postpartum psychosis made her feel like "such a monster"
As the trial of Lindsay Clancy brings renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, Haley Ashcom shares her experience with the dangerous condition.
Drug mix-up at hospital causes dire complications in 4 patients
Four patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown received incorrect medications last week, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
How Moderna's melanoma mRNA vaccine could fight deadliest skin cancer
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder, who has had melanoma herself, said Moderna's experimental trial is "a big win for mRNA vaccines against cancer."
World
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Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees arrested as part of President Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
Sword attack at school in Sweden leaves 1 dead, police say
An 18-year-old with a sword attacked a school Friday in central Sweden, killing one person and seriously injuring at least two others.
Russian strike kills 15 people at shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown
Zelenskyy described the attack as a double-tap strike, in which an initial wave of drones hit the area, followed by a second wave as rescue workers responded.
Why Dubai may be vital to the Trump administration's economic war on Iran
The effectiveness of a bolstered economic campaign against Iran may rest largely on one close U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates.
Controversial Netflix dating show sparks backlash in Japan
Japan's justice ministry said it will cancel a collaboration with "Badly in Love," a Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Details on Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K. after six years in California. CBS News royal contributor Amanda Foreman joins "The Takeout" to discuss what the homecoming could look like.
Man who took final photo of Tupac testifies
The man who took the last known photo of Tupac Shakur testified on Friday in the trial of a man accused of organizing the rapper's killing. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Book excerpt: "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Braiding Sweetgrass" writes about embracing gratitude and reciprocity in our dealings with nature, and the importance of recognizing and sharing the many gifts the world gives us.
Hayden Panettiere's mom speaks out
Hayden Panettiere's mom is speaking out on their strained relationship. This comes as Neutrogena comments on its working relationship with the late actor.
Controversial Netflix dating show sparks backlash in Japan
Japan's justice ministry said it will cancel a collaboration with "Badly in Love," a Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents.
Technology
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Technology
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Psychiatrist testifies in Clancy trial
Dr. Phillip Resnick, whose testimony contributed to an acquittal in another high-profile child-killing case in 2001, testified in Lindsay Clancy's defense on Friday. Shanelle Kaul has more.
Inside an 8-year-old shooting victim's room
It's been a year since a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis killed two children and injured dozens. Steve Hartman visits the bedroom of a little boy who lost his life that day.
Panettiere given emergency drug, witness says
New details in Hayden Panettiere's sudden death have emerged as her on-and-off boyfriend's brother, who was present when she died, speaks out. Mark Strassmann has more.
Flock cameras sabotaged over privacy issues
Cities across the country are unplugging Flock cameras used to record traffic and other violations as privacy concerns grow. Jason Allen has more.
First week wraps in Tupac murder trial
The trial of Duane "Keefe D" Davis wrapped up its first week Friday with Davis telling the judge that he has concerns about the safety of his family. Davis is accused of orchestrating the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Space
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Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
NFL storylines as preseason hits Week 2
Jacob Robinson, staff writer for the Athletic, joins CBS News to discuss the biggest headlines in the NFL as the league gears up for the regular season.
Liberia receives first group of U.S. deportees
The western African nation of Liberia has received the first round of "third country" deportees from the United States. The plane with roughly 20 deportees landed on Thursday. U.S. officials tell CBS News some of the passengers refused to deboard upon landing. The Trump administration has brokered deals with at least 35 countries to deport people to places where they have no ties. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
Powerful storms rock East Coast
Violent storms are bringing multiple tornadoes and record rainfall across the East Coast and beyond. Jared Ochacher reports.
Psychiatrist testifies in Clancy trial
Dr. Phillip Resnick, whose testimony contributed to an acquittal in another high-profile child-killing case in 2001, testified in Lindsay Clancy's defense on Friday. Shanelle Kaul has more.
The roller coaster popularity of plastic surgery
A new piece in The Free Press looks at the roller coaster popularity of plastic surgery. Freya India, author of the report and contributing writer for the Free Press, joins CBS News to discuss. The Free Press is a Paramount publication.