A U.S. defense official said today that Osama bin Laden, head of al-Qaida, was buried in the North Arabian Sea from the deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier following the completion of washing and other burial procedures in accordance with Islamic Law. The official said: “Preparations for a burial at sea began at 1:10am EST, 5:10 GMT, and were completed at 2:00am EST.” The official added that “the deceased was washed and then placed in a white shroud. The body was placed in a bag and then an officer read religious remarks which were translated into Arabic by a native speaker. Once the reading was completed, the body was place on a flat board and then the body of the deceased was lowered into the sea.”
WikiLeaks: The U.S. has known bin Laden’s whereabouts since 2008
The website WikiLeaks said on Monday that the U.S. has likely known about the presence of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad since 2008. The site cited a leaked U.S. cable. The document includes interrogations that took place with a Libyan citizen named Abu al-Libi, a Guantanamo detainee who confessed that he was a messenger [courier] for bin Laden in 2003, working in Abbottabad. The website says that the detainee received a letter in 2003 from an envoy of bin Laden, Maulawi Abd al-Khaliq Jan, requesting that he [al-Libi] take over responsibility for collecting donations, organizing trips and distributing funds for families in Pakistan. Additionally, bin Laden stated that Abu al-Libi would be the official messenger between him and others in Pakistan. In mid-2003, Abu al-Libi moved his family to live in Abbottabad where he worked between there and Peshawar.
Bin Laden DNA Tests Establish Match with Family
A senior U.S. intelligence official told reporters Monday that DNA tests performed on the body of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden proved to be an almost 100 percent match with his family members and that a woman believed to be his wife identified him by name.
The official added on condition of anonymity that the U.S. is currently busily engaged in reviewing the large amount of material seized in the compound where U.S. forces killed bin Laden in Pakistan. The official said that this material is currently being analyzed and a CIA task force has been formed due to the large volume of material that was collected from the site of the raid.
Pakistani Television: The Picture Released of Him Is a Fake
Pakistani television channels, who on Monday released a picture of a partially disfigured face thought to be of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, have said that the picture is not correct and have since withdrawn it. A number of private TV channels broadcast the picture, indicating that they could not confirm that it was Osama bin Laden, who was killed Sunday night in a raid by U.S. special forces in Abbottabad, located 50 km northwest of Islamabad.
Rana Jawad, Islamabad bureau chief of Geo Television, told AFP that “it was actually a fake picture and had been on the internet since 2009.” He added, “We said at its broadcast that it was not possible until now to confirm its validity, and after verification we pulled it.” Remaining channels followed Geo’s lead, the most popular channel in Pakistan. The picture appeared to show a partially mutilated face.
U.S. Intelligence: Al-Qaida retaliation Almost Certain for the Killing of bin Laden
CIA Director Leon Panneta said Monday that al-Qaida will almost certainly attempt to avenge the killing of Osama bin Laden. Panneta stated that while bin Laden is dead, al-Qaida still exists and that the terrorists will likely try to avenge him. He stated that people must — and will — remain vigilant and resolute.
Al-Azhar: Islam against the Casting of a Body of Any Person into the Sea
Mahmoud Azab, advisor for inter-religious dialogue to the Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmed Tayeb, told the AFP Monday that “if it is true that the body” of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden “was cast into the sea, then Islam is completely against this.” Azab stated that the Sheikh of Al-Azhar is preparing to release a statement confirming this position. He added “the body is respected, whether the person has been murdered or died of natural causes.” He went on, “There must be respect for the body of any person, whether they are a believer or not, Muslim or non-Muslim.” He emphasized that “Islam is completely against this type of treatment,” i.e. against casting the body of any person into the sea after their death. U.S. officials said earlier Monday that “the body of bin Laden has been buried at sea” following his death at the hands of U.S. forces in Pakistan.
U.S. National Security: We Directed Special Forces to Kill, Not Capture bin Laden
A U.S. National Security official told Reuters that the team of U.S. special forces that hunted down al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden were under orders to kill, not capture him. The official said that it was a kill operation, making it clear that there was no desire to capture bin Laden alive in Pakistan.
Official Source: The Death of bin Laden Will Strengthen Efforts to Combat Terrorism
An official source from Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the killing of Osama bin Laden — leader of terrorist organization al-Qaida — will be a step toward strengthening international efforts in the fight against terrorism, the dismantling of [al-Qaida’s] cells and the elimination of the misguided ideas behind the organization. The source said the people of Saudi Arabia had been particularly targeted by this terrorist organization through its crimes and destruction of innocent lives, which is forbidden by Allah. The source said that al-Qaida has terrorized peaceful citizens and undermined the security and stability of society. Allah says the following: “If anyone slays a person — whether it be for murder or spreading mischief in the land — it would be as if he slays an entire people.”
Bin Laden Killed in Pakistan with Five Others — U.S. Media Reports His Body Cast into the Sea
U.S. media outlets, among them TV networks CNN, MSNBC and The New York Times reported Monday that the body of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed by a U.S. Commando unit in Pakistan, has been cast into the sea. The conditions and location of where the body was cast are unknown.
U.S. officials could not be contacted to confirm the news. A senior official for the Obama administration said in a telephone conference that “we can confirm that his body is being treated in accordance with Islamic rites and traditions, and this is something we take seriously.”
U.S. President Barack Obama announced this morning that U.S. special forces undertook an operation that led to the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. U.S. officials told journalists that the U.S. will ensure that the treatment of the body of bin Laden will be in accordance with Islamic tradition.
World Leaders Respond Following the Death of bin Laden
Governments and leaders praised the killing of Osama bin Laden, describing it as a huge success in the war against al-Qaida, and will make the world safer. However, in some parts of the world, anxious residents are preparing to face retribution. U.S. President Barack Obama said in a televised speech broadcast from the White House that “The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al-Qaida.” Outside the White House, crowds gathered to celebrate and sang patriotic songs and chanted slogans.
Former President George Bush, who was president during the 9/11 attacks on his country, also welcomed the killing of bin Laden. He said, “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.” He added in a statement that “the fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.” Many gathered at the site of the towers of the World Trade Center, some waving U.S. flags. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that he hoped the news brought some comfort to all those who lost loved ones [on 9/11]. British Prime Minister David Cameron said that the killing of bin Laden “is a great relief to people across the world.” Cameron added that “Osama bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen — for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British. It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror.”
President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, Said That “We Awoke to a Safer World.”
The news was welcomed with celebration in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This is a resounding triumph for justice, freedom and the values shared by all democratic nations fighting shoulder to shoulder in determination against terrorism.”
Obama pointed out that the killing of bin Laden does not mean in any way that the threat from al-Qaida is over. He said, “There’s no doubt that al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must — and we will — remain vigilant at home and abroad.”
In Afghanistan, which U.S. forces invaded in 2001 to eliminate bin Laden and the Taliban who provided him with shelter, Afghan President Hamid Karzai called on the Taliban to stop its fighting. He said in a press conference that “the Taliban must learn a lesson from this. The Taliban should refrain from fighting.”
Most analysts agree that although the killing of this inspirational leader will be a blow to the morale of his followers, bin Laden has not had a significant practical role in the organization for years. Al-Qaida is not managed in a centralized system; therefore, the direct impact of the killing of bin Laden will be limited. While heads of state declared the world a safer place, in many countries citizens prepared to face the worst. The U.S. State Department warned its citizens around the world of a likely increase in violent attacks against Americans. The State Department said in a statement that “given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.”
Australia issued a similar warning. In countries where there are large numbers of Muslims, international schools, embassies and other possible targets adopted additional security measures in anticipation of retaliatory attacks.
India’s reaction to the news was mixed due to its strained relations with its neighbor, Pakistan. India has long accused its neighbor of allowing terrorist groups to operate freely in its territory. The statement issued by India’s Foreign Ministry commended the killing of bin Laden, describing it as “a landmark success” and added “the fight must continue without interruption.” However, a statement from the Home Ministry pointed out that bin Laden was not hiding in a cave, but rather in a palace only 50 km from Islamabad. The statement said that this increases “the fears that terrorists belonging to different organizations are finding refuge in Pakistan.”
Five People Including bin Laden Are Killed in an Operation That Took 40 Minutes to Complete
U.S. officials announced that five people — among them Osama bin Laden — were killed Sunday in a Commando operation targeting the al-Qaida leader’s residence, about 50 km north of the Pakistani capital Islamabad. Officials refused to clarify if the operation was carried out by CIA agents or a “small team” of military personnel Sunday morning. Killed in the operation that lasted 40 minutes were Bin Laden, two other men and a woman who a man was hiding behind, according to sources. Two other women were injured during the operation. The compound that was attacked housed a number of other women and children.
Officials explained that bin Laden was killed by shots from Commandos who were not injured by him. One official said that “it was an extremely dangerous operation.” A helicopter was lost during the operation due to “technical failure” which forced the Commandos to use another helicopter in the operation.
The housing “complex” was built about five years ago; the U.S. does not know how long it has been home to bin Laden. It was surrounded by high walls and barbed wire. According to officials, it is possible that bin Laden had been living there since September 2010.
Egypt Raises Security Level to Maximum at Cairo Airport
Security authorities raised the security level at Cairo International Airport and on airline Egyptair to maximum on flights heading to various countries around the world, and in particular to New York City against the backdrop of the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. special forces in Pakistan. These measures are to guard against any reprisals from al-Qaida in response to the killing of its leader.
The Palestinian Authority: The Killing of bin Laden Is Good for the Cause of Peace
The PA said today that the killing of Osama bin Laden at the hands of U.S. forces is beneficial for peace. PA spokesman Ghassan Khatib said that getting rid of bin Laden is good for the cause of peace worldwide, but what is important is to overcome the discourse and violent methods that bin Laden and others in the world used and encouraged.
Ban Ki Moon Praises the Killing of bin Laden and Considers It a Watershed Moment
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said today that the killing of Osama bin Laden represents a major turning point in the fight against global terrorism. He told reporters that the killing of bin Laden, which U.S. President Barack Obama announced last night, was a watershed moment in our common global struggle against terrorism.
U.S. officials said that bin Laden was killed in a U.S. attack on his compound in Pakistan in the early hours of Sunday morning, and was then buried at sea. Ban Ki Moon said that the crimes of al-Qaida touched most continents, bringing tragedy and loss of life to thousands of men, women and children. He added that today was a day to remember the victims and victims’ families in the U.S. and around the world.
Sarkozy: The Killing of bin Laden Is a Major Event in the Global Fight against Terrorism
French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced in a statement today that France “welcomes the determination of the United States” in killing bin Laden, “a major event in the global fight against terrorism.”
U.S. Official: We Will Test bin Laden’s DNA
An American official said Monday that the U.S. is carrying out tests on the DNA of dead al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and used facial recognition techniques to help identify him. The official, who requested anonymity, added that the force that killed him in a battle in Pakistan shot him in the head.
The official told Reuters that the results of the DNA analysis should appear in the next few days. The official said that the armed forces were on the ground for more than 40 minutes and that CIA head Leon Pannetta and other CIA officials followed the operation in a meeting room at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. He added “when the news was received that the operation was a success, CIA officials in the room applauded.”
CNN: Osama bin Laden Killed by A Shot to the Head
U.S. channel CNN reported that al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was killed by a shot to the head during an operation conducted by U.S. special forces in Pakistan Sunday. The network based its reports on statements from members of Congress in Washington who had been briefed on the operation by the White House.
Jihadists: Bin Laden’s Death Will Not Silence the Call to Jihad
Members of jihadist [website] forums said that they are praying to God that the reports of the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden are not true, and alluded to reprisals if it is true.
A message on a forum in Arabic said that they are praying to God these reports are not true, and for “God’s curse on Obama.” The message threatened Americans, saying that it was still legal for them to slit their [the Americans’] throats. It added that bin Laden may have been killed, but his message of Jihad will never die.
Yemen Welcomes the Killing of Osama bin Laden
A Yemeni official today said that Yemen welcomed the U.S. operation that led to the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, and expressed hope that it would lead to more measures to weed out militants from their roots. The official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters that Yemen welcomed the completion of the operation, and hoped that it would lead to measures to eliminate terrorism in all parts of the world.
Russia Welcomes the Killing of bin Laden
Russia today welcomed the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden during an operation of U.S. special forces in Pakistan. News agencies quoted the Kremlin as saying in a statement “retribution inevitably reaches all terrorists.” The statement added “a joint and united fight against global terrorism can achieve this result. Russia is ready to step up cooperation.”
Russia: Inevitable for International Terrorists
Russia today welcomed the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden during an operation of U.S. special forces in Pakistan, describing it as a real success and pledging that this is inevitable for all international terrorists.
The Kremlin press office said in the first official statement on the killing of Osama bin Laden (the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks on the United States) that “retribution inevitably reaches all terrorists.” The statement added, “a joint and united fight against global terrorism can achieve this result. Russia is ready to step up cooperation.”
Russia is fighting an insurgency in the North Caucuses, and said that insurgents with ties to al-Qaida participated in attacks there and in the heart of Russia. The Kremlin said that “Russia was one of the first countries to face the threat posed by global terrorism and unfortunately knows the direct result of what al-Qaida represents.”
Brazil: Bin Laden’s Death Important and Positive
Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota said Monday that the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is “important and positive to relax tensions at a time when the Arab world is calling for more freedom of expression.” Patriota told reporters in Brasilia that the planning and implementation of terrorist acts attributed to bin Laden “directly and indirectly contributed to the stigmatization of the Islamic world, in which autocracy and fundamentalism were seen as the only alternatives.” He added, “we know that the Muslim world is not like that.” Patriota expressed concern over the possibility that the killing of Osama bin Laden could unleash a wave of retaliatory terror attacks. He said, “Insofar as al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden were and remain behind political strategies that prioritize acts of terrorism, [the Brazilian government] can only express our solidarity with the victims and with those who seek justice.” U.S. President Barack Obama announced Sunday evening that bin Laden was killed in a military operation in Pakistan.
Merkel Says She Feels Relief at the Killing of Osama bin Laden
A statement issued by the spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel reported that she told U.S. President Barack Obama she felt relief at the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in a U.S. forces operation.
Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement that the U.S. had succeeded in delivering a decisive blow to al-Qaida. However, the Chancellor warned that international terrorism has not been defeated yet. The statement added, “Osama bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Last night was a success for the forces of peace. International terrorism has not been defeated yet and we must all remain vigilant.”
British Prime Minister Praises the Death of bin Laden and Advises Vigilance
British Prime Minister David Cameron Monday said that Britain must be vigilant despite the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in a U.S. forces operation in Pakistan. Cameron, in a televised address from his official countryside residence Chequers, said that “This news will be welcomed right across our country.” He continued, “Of course, it does not mark the end of the threat we face from extremist terror — indeed we will have to be particularly vigilant in the weeks ahead. But it is, I believe, a massive step forward.” Cameron stated that “Osama bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen — for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British. It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror.”
Cameron said that bin Laden, who was killed Sunday in a U.S. operation in Pakistan, was responsible for issuing an order to kill many British citizens at home and abroad. In July 2005, four British Islamists killed 52 people in an attack on the transport system in London. Cameron added that, “above all today we should think of the victims of the poisonous extremism that this man has been responsible for.”
Britain Reviews Security Measures around Its Embassies Following the Killing of bin Laden
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Monday that Britain has told its embassies abroad to review their security measures for fear of reprisals after the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden at the hands of U.S. forces.
Hague told BBC’s Radio 4 that “there may be parts of al-Qaida that will try to show that they are in business in the coming weeks, as indeed some of them are.” He added, “so I have already this morning asked our embassies to review their security to make sure that vigilance is heightened and I think that will have to be our posture for some time to come.”
Pakistan Says the Killing of bin Laden Is a Major Setback to Terrorist Organizations
Pakistan today said that the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is a major setback to terrorist organizations around the world. Pakistan’s foreign minister said in a statement that “This operation was conducted by U.S. forces in accordance with declared U.S. policy that Osama bin Laden will be eliminated in a direct action by U.S. forces, wherever he is found in the world.”
The Muslim Brotherhood Demands America Withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan
The Muslim Brotherhood today demanded the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and Iraq after the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the 9/11 attacks on the United States.
U.S. President Barack Obama Announced That U.S. Special Forces Killed bin Laden in a Targeted Operation in Pakistan.
Essam al-Erian, spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, told Reuters that with bin Laden’s death, one of the reasons for which violence has been practiced in the world has been removed. He continued to say that it is time for Obama to pull out of Afghanistan and Iraq and end the occupation of U.S. and Western forces around the world that have for so long harmed Muslim countries. The U.S. and Western countries have forces in Afghanistan. U.S. forces are expected to withdraw from Iraq by the end of this year under a security agreement signed with Baghdad. Washington also has forces stationed in the Gulf.
Al-Erian said that the revolutions taking place across the Middle East are proof that democracy has a place in the Middle East and does not need foreign occupation any more. Al-Erian said there could be a violent reaction to bin Laden’s death in areas of the world where al-Qaida had a foothold. He said that the reactions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Morocco and Algeria might be violent as the influences of al-Qaida are pervasive there. He also said Islam should not be equated with terrorism or the kind of violence promoted by bin Laden. He said that the time had come for the world to understand that violence and Islam are not connected and that connecting them has been a deliberate mistake on the part of the media.
Interpol Uges Vigilance after the Killing of Osama bin Laden
From its Paris headquarters, Interpol said today that increased vigilance is needed to combat heightened terrorist threats in the wake of the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said that “the world’s most wanted international terrorist is no more, but the death of bin Laden does not represent the demise of al-Qaida affiliates and those inspired by al-Qaida, who will continue to engage in terrorist attacks around the world.” He added, “We therefore need to remain united and focused in our ongoing cooperation and fight, not only against this global threat but also against terrorism by any group anywhere.”
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