Three sources in the Afghan Taliban told Reuters that the movement's leaders held discussions on Wednesday about how to respond to a US strike that Washington said killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
And US President Joe Biden announced at dawn last Tuesday the killing of Al-Zawahiri by a missile fired by an American drone while he was standing on the balcony of a building in which he was hiding in a cable last Sunday, in a strike that was considered the largest against the organization since the killing of its late leader Osama bin Laden more than 10 years ago.
Reuters quoted a Taliban leader who is currently holding an important position in Kabul that "there are meetings at a very high level on whether they should respond to the drone strike, and if they decide to do so, what is the appropriate way?"
The official, who asked not to be identified, added that lengthy discussions took place at the senior leadership level over a period of two days.
He did not confirm that al-Zawahiri was in the house that was targeted by the drone's missile.
Reuters notes that the Taliban's response could have major repercussions as the group seeks international recognition of its legitimacy and unlocks billions of dollars in frozen funds after it defeated a US-backed government a year ago.
Another Taliban official confirmed high-level meetings were held, but said he did not know what was being discussed, and did not believe Zawahiri was at home.
An Afghan government official had confirmed to Al-Jazeera that Al-Zawahiri was killed in the US raid announced by Washington, in the first Afghan government admission of the incident.
The Afghan Deputy Prime Minister said that the US raid, which targeted a house in Kabul, is a violation of national sovereignty and the Doha agreement.
"We are committed to the Doha Agreement, and we assure everyone that our lands will not be used against others," he added.
The Taliban condemned the attack in the US announcement, describing it as a violation of international principles and the Doha Agreement.
The spokesman for the movement, Zabihullah Mujahid, indicated that these actions are a repetition of the failed experiences during the past two decades and will harm the opportunities available, as he put it.
American warning
A senior US official who spoke to Reuters - on condition of anonymity - indicated that Washington will continue to target al-Qaeda in Afghanistan to ensure that the country does not turn again into a haven for "terrorists who plot against the United States."
"We will remain vigilant and will take all necessary measures as we did this week," the official said.
He added that the administration of US President Joe Biden will continue to deal with the Taliban "in times when the movement can help advance American interests."
Earlier, the US State Department warned its citizens around the world that the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in an American raid might generate what it described as great potential for anti-American violence.
The US State Department said in a statement that the killing of al-Zawahiri may prompt al-Qaeda supporters to target American facilities or citizens, adding that the attacks may include suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings and bombings.
In Doha, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement regarding the killing of Al-Zawahiri that it is following developments in Afghanistan, and calls on all parties to preserve the gains of the Doha Agreement and that Afghanistan not be a haven for terrorists.
In its statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said that it reiterates its firm and supportive stance for regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and its financing.