President Barack Obama announced Sunday night that Osama bin Laden was killed in an American-led operation in Pakistan.
The search for bin Laden, whom Obama called a “terrorist responsible for the killing of thousands of innocent men, women and children,” was a top priority for the United States since al-Qaida claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Obama said he worked with CIA Director Leon Panetta to carry out the operation.
According to the president, a U.S. team received a lead on bin Laden last August, and last week had solidified enough evidence to take action.
The president confirmed that bin Laden was killed in a firefight with U.S. forces Sunday in a compound in the city of Abottabad, near the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. He said no U.S. forces were killed in the operation.
Obama described the event as a step forward in fighting terrorism.
“The cause of securing our country is not complete,” Obama said in a televised address to the nation, “but tonight, we are once again reminded that Americans can do whatever we set our mind to.”
Obama described the operation as a joint effort between U.S. and Pakistani operatives and sources said that U.S. Special Forces as well as CIA and Pakistani operatives were involved.
Obama praised the work of U.S. authorities and said the killing was justice served for Americans who lost loved ones in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Footage of Americans gathering in front of the White House was broadcast on CNN.
Crowds of hundreds chanted “USA” and sang the national anthem.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.