By Adam Sneed and Indra Ekmanis
The FBI’s most wanted terrorist was confirmed dead Sunday night.
Osama bin Laden was killed in a brief firefight at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, President Barack Obama said in an announcement at the White House.
The president said the United States received intelligence in August about bin Laden’s whereabouts and finally had enough information last week to take action. On Sunday, a military team attacked the compound where bin Laden was hiding, killed him and took custody of the body, Obama said.
“The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat Al-Qaida,” he said. “Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There is no doubt Al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks against us.”
No Americans were harmed in the operation, the president said, and cooperation with Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts helped forces find the compound.
“This is a good and historic day for both of our nations,” Obama said.
Bin Laden, the leader of terrorist organization Al-Qaida, was the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. He was also wanted for the August 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya that killed 224 people and injured more than 5,000 others.
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks sparked the U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan that began nearly 10 years ago.
“The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory,” Obama said Sunday. “Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.”
Cheering crowds gathered outside the White House and in New York City to celebrate after the announcement.
The U.S. State Department warned of the enhanced potential for anti-American violence following bin Laden’s death, urging citizens in high-risk areas abroad to limit travel outside of their homes or hotels.
George W. Bush, president during the 9/11 attacks and subsequent war in Afghanistan, released a brief statement via Facebook congratulating Obama and the military and intelligence community.
“This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001,” Bush said. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”
