Amnah Khalid, BeyondHeadlines
New Delhi: US President Obama in a speech late Sunday night announced that alleged Al Qa’ida leader Osama bin Laden, who is considered to be responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States, was killed in a firefight during an operation in Abbottabad near Islamabad in Pakistan. Osama,59, was killed along with his family members by US forces . His body is in the possession of the US forces.
The US President said: “The covert operation began last August but sufficient intelligence was gained last week that promoted the move to take action. The operation was precise, with no civilian or military casualty. It was made possible with the cooperation of the Pakistani and US intelligence cooperation.”
Terming it “good and extraordinary day for both the countries,” Obama said: “The terrorist leader was responsible for the deaths of many Muslims, including in the Muslims in the United States. This was not a war against Islam but terrorism. It was historic in the sense that just four months before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack, justice has been done, and all those who want peace should welcome it.”
He said: “It will recognize the service and sacrifice of all those who sacrificed their lives to root out terrorism.” Obama signed every letter to the families of deceased servicemen, saying “their loss is not forgotten and will always be remembered.”
“A phase has ended in the chapter of terrorism although more remained to be tackled. It was not the wealth or the power but who we are and the values we hold that make us liberty and justice for all,” said Obama.
Crowd have been gathering in large numbers outside the White House hailing the move and celebrating, there will be a new tomorrow for the world to see.
Bin Laden headed Al-Qa’ida, which claimed responsibility for 9/11 Attack on twin trade towers and the Pentagon nearly ten years ago, had openly declared war with the United States and took responsibility for many terrorist attacks around the world. It claimed the responsibility for the bombing in 1988 on the US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. It operated from Afghanistan, which led to its invasion by the US forces.
