Obama said “justice has been done”

WASHINGTON: The most haunted man in the world Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the most devastating attack on American soil in modern times was killed in a firefight with United States forces in Pakistan on Sunday, President Obama announced.

Late-night US President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House, declared that “justice has been done” as he disclosed that American military and C.I.A. operatives had finally cornered bin Laden, the Al Qaeda leader who had eluded them for nearly a decade. American officials said bin Laden resisted and was shot in the head. He was later buried at sea.

After the news out the crowds gathered outside the White House, in Times Square and at the Ground Zero site, waving American flags, cheering, shouting, laughing and chanting, “USA, USA!” In New York City, crowds sang the Star-Spangled Banner. Throughout downtown Washington, drivers honked horns deep into the night.

“For over two decades, bin Laden has been Al Qaeda’s leader and symbol,” the president said in a statement televised around the world. “The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat Al Qaeda. But his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that Al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad.”

The effect on Al Qaeda of his death is itself remains unclear. For years, as troops failed to find him, American leaders have said he was more symbolically important than operationally significant because he was on the run and hindered in any meaningful leadership role. And yet, he remained the most potent face of terrorism around the world and some of those who downplayed his role in recent years nonetheless celebrated his death.