Osama Bin Laden

[Longacre_red]

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been killed in an American-led operation in Pakistan, US President Barack Obama has announced.

The man who masterminded the September 11 attacks was buried at sea in the early hours of this morning, after US forces swooped on a villa in the town of Abbotabad.

In footage filmed at the scene, flames are seen rising from a building that was the apparent target of the raid at 1:30am local time on Sunday.

It is thought Bin Laden had been living in the walled $1m villa - just 35 miles from the Pakistani capital Islamabad - for at least the last eight months.

US officials said the CIA tracked bin Laden to his location, then elite troops from Navy Seal Team Six, a top military counter-terrorism unit, flew to the hideout in four helicopters.

The al Qaeda leader was reportedly asked to surrender by US forces before he was shot in the head.

After the 40-minute operation, which was carried out without the intervention of the Pakistani military, the troops recovered Bin Laden's body.

He was buried at sea according to Islamic traditions, US officials said, in a bid to prevent his grave becoming a shrine.

Pakistani television stations earlier broadcast what they claimed was a photograph of the bloodied face of the world's most wanted man after he was killed, but this was later said to be a fake.

Three adult males were also killed when US forces swooped on the compound, including one of Bin Laden's sons.

Officials said one of military helicopters suffered mechanical failure during the operation and was destroyed after troops had safely disembarked, leading to the blaze visible at the scene.

"A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties," President Obama said.

According to Sky sources, Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari is now chairing a meeting of Pakistan's top mlitary and civilian leadership in Islamabad.

Following the raid, President Obama confirmed in a news conference: "I can report to the American people and to the world, that the US has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden."

The US president said he was briefed last summer about a possible lead to the whereabouts of Bin Laden - who fled the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 - and last week appproved an operation "to bring Bin Laden to justice".

Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister David Cameron said the news would be welcomed across the country.

"It is, I believe, a massive step forward," he said.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office issued an alert to UK nationals overseas, advising them to monitor local reactions and remain vigilant. 

US citizens welcomed the news with hundreds of people gathering outside the White House and in New York's Times Square.

Sky's US correspondent Robert Nisbet said: "We seem to be building a picture that this was very well thought through. Obviously the president was informed every step of the way."

President Obama spoke to former president George W Bush and former President Bill Clinton before announcing Bin Laden's death.

President Bush said it was a "momentous achievement".

"The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done," he said in a statement.

President Obama also warned that "al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks" against the US.

"The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda. His death does not mark the end of our effort," he said.

The US state department issued a worldwide travel alert to all US citizens warning of an "enhanced potential" for US citizens to be targeted.

[HIGHRIDGE BCFC]

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been killed in an American-led operation in Pakistan, US President Barack Obama has announced.

The man who masterminded the September 11 attacks was buried at sea in the early hours of this morning, after US forces swooped on a villa in the town of Abbotabad.

In footage filmed at the scene, flames are seen rising from a building that was the apparent target of the raid at 1:30am local time on Sunday.

It is thought Bin Laden had been living in the walled $1m villa - just 35 miles from the Pakistani capital Islamabad - for at least the last eight months.

US officials said the CIA tracked bin Laden to his location, then elite troops from Navy Seal Team Six, a top military counter-terrorism unit, flew to the hideout in four helicopters.

The al Qaeda leader was reportedly asked to surrender by US forces before he was shot in the head.

After the 40-minute operation, which was carried out without the intervention of the Pakistani military, the troops recovered Bin Laden's body.

He was buried at sea according to Islamic traditions, US officials said, in a bid to prevent his grave becoming a shrine.

Pakistani television stations earlier broadcast what they claimed was a photograph of the bloodied face of the world's most wanted man after he was killed, but this was later said to be a fake.

Three adult males were also killed when US forces swooped on the compound, including one of Bin Laden's sons.

Officials said one of military helicopters suffered mechanical failure during the operation and was destroyed after troops had safely disembarked, leading to the blaze visible at the scene.

"A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties," President Obama said.

According to Sky sources, Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari is now chairing a meeting of Pakistan's top mlitary and civilian leadership in Islamabad.

Following the raid, President Obama confirmed in a news conference: "I can report to the American people and to the world, that the US has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden."

The US president said he was briefed last summer about a possible lead to the whereabouts of Bin Laden - who fled the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 - and last week appproved an operation "to bring Bin Laden to justice".

Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister David Cameron said the news would be welcomed across the country.

"It is, I believe, a massive step forward," he said.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office issued an alert to UK nationals overseas, advising them to monitor local reactions and remain vigilant.

US citizens welcomed the news with hundreds of people gathering outside the White House and in New York's Times Square.

Sky's US correspondent Robert Nisbet said: "We seem to be building a picture that this was very well thought through. Obviously the president was informed every step of the way."

President Obama spoke to former president George W Bush and former President Bill Clinton before announcing Bin Laden's death.

President Bush said it was a "momentous achievement".

"The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done," he said in a statement.

President Obama also warned that "al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks" against the US.

"The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda. His death does not mark the end of our effort," he said.

The US state department issued a worldwide travel alert to all US citizens warning of an "enhanced potential" for US citizens to be targeted.

[Robbored]

More of an American morale boost than anything else. Bin Laden's death won't have much impact on Al Quada ability to cause terror. If anything it will trigger an increase in attacks.

[HIGHRIDGE BCFC]

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been killed in an American-led operation in Pakistan, US President Barack Obama has announced.

The man who masterminded the September 11 attacks was buried at sea in the early hours of this morning, after US forces swooped on a villa in the town of Abbotabad.

In footage filmed at the scene, flames are seen rising from a building that was the apparent target of the raid at 1:30am local time on Sunday.

It is thought Bin Laden had been living in the walled $1m villa - just 35 miles from the Pakistani capital Islamabad - for at least the last eight months.

US officials said the CIA tracked bin Laden to his location, then elite troops from Navy Seal Team Six, a top military counter-terrorism unit, flew to the hideout in four helicopters.

The al Qaeda leader was reportedly asked to surrender by US forces before he was shot in the head.

After the 40-minute operation, which was carried out without the intervention of the Pakistani military, the troops recovered Bin Laden's body.

He was buried at sea according to Islamic traditions, US officials said, in a bid to prevent his grave becoming a shrine.

Pakistani television stations earlier broadcast what they claimed was a photograph of the bloodied face of the world's most wanted man after he was killed, but this was later said to be a fake.

Three adult males were also killed when US forces swooped on the compound, including one of Bin Laden's sons.

Officials said one of military helicopters suffered mechanical failure during the operation and was destroyed after troops had safely disembarked, leading to the blaze visible at the scene.

"A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties," President Obama said.

According to Sky sources, Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari is now chairing a meeting of Pakistan's top mlitary and civilian leadership in Islamabad.

Following the raid, President Obama confirmed in a news conference: "I can report to the American people and to the world, that the US has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden."

The US president said he was briefed last summer about a possible lead to the whereabouts of Bin Laden - who fled the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 - and last week appproved an operation "to bring Bin Laden to justice".

Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister David Cameron said the news would be welcomed across the country.

"It is, I believe, a massive step forward," he said.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office issued an alert to UK nationals overseas, advising them to monitor local reactions and remain vigilant.

US citizens welcomed the news with hundreds of people gathering outside the White House and in New York's Times Square.

Sky's US correspondent Robert Nisbet said: "We seem to be building a picture that this was very well thought through. Obviously the president was informed every step of the way."

President Obama spoke to former president George W Bush and former President Bill Clinton before announcing Bin Laden's death.

President Bush said it was a "momentous achievement".

"The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done," he said in a statement.

President Obama also warned that "al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks" against the US.

"The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda. His death does not mark the end of our effort," he said.

The US state department issued a worldwide travel alert to all US citizens warning of an "enhanced potential" for US citizens to be targeted.

I knew all it would take was for me to book a break in NY. Still at least the good people at Heathrow might up security.

[Robin101]

amazing what the americans can do when the playstation network is down.

[InCider]

amazing what the americans can do when the playstation network is down.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

So there is an opening for a new world hide and seek champion.....................

[HIGHRIDGE BCFC]

So there is an opening for a new world hide and seek champion.....................

And a spot in Pakistans only ZZ Top tribute band.

[InCider]

The Americans are today thanking their spin doctors after another failed rescue mission.

[Mr Popodopolous]

As RR says, it may increase risk of attacks. One thing is for sure, US and perhaps more generally Western tourists will be at greater risk now of course.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Arsenal 1 v Man United 0- the cheer from that compound when Ramsey scored finally blew his cover...

[bucksred]

Hope the bastard gets kicked out of hell. Hope he suffered unspeakably before he died. It does send a signal out to these bastards, no matter how long, no matter where, no matter when the Yanks will get you. Well done to the Yank Special Forces on a good job well done.

Yes we will get revenge attacks, but we could always go after them while they are in disarray, which they will be. A notable success for the forces of freedom.

[The Gasbuster]

Hope the bastard gets kicked out of hell. Hope he suffered unspeakably before he died. It does send a signal out to these bastards, no matter how long, no matter where, no matter when the Yanks will get you. Well done to the Yank Special Forces on a good job well done.

Yes we will get revenge attacks, but we could always go after them while they are in disarray, which they will be. A notable success for the forces of freedom.

Well said. I always hoped (ok, fantasised !!) they would take him alive and nail him to a cross. That would have been the final insult to him and his followers.

[Mr Popodopolous]

....Alternatively, perhaps Bin Laden and his ilk wouldn't attract nearly as much support without aggressive foreign policy, invasion of various places etc. Would be too simple that though, especially for the delusional ***** who still think we're a major power- be they in power or among the citizenry at large.

How many Islamic terrorist attacks have Italy/Germany/France had? How many of them invaded Iraq? We and Spain joined US invasion of Iraq and hence we got terroritst attacks on our soil, not a hard equation.

Still, I suppose going to war and risking future terrorist attacks- here or on our nationals abroard is the main language of discourse such people prefer.

As for America- governmental level at least- as a state since WW2, they've killed more civilians than any terrorist groups. USSR and China may have killed more but in terms of wars etc, more civilians have died with a US hand in their deaths than through terrorism. Here is one example:

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/05/28/drone_wars

[Duesseldorf Citizen]

We just had a raid on a terror cell in my hometown on sunday and we had the terrorists a couple of years ago that placed bombs on a train in Cologne that just did not went off as they were too stupid to build it correct.

I think it is not just and it is not right to make a special forces operation in a foreign country just to exercise capital punishment on a single person without a court case.

What's the difference to the 9/11 attacks ?

The US killed three or four, al Quaeda 3.000. Only difference.

This and this unbearable arrogant mindset of the US making them go out on the streets, singing and dancing, celebrating the death of a person just like the fanatics in the Middle East just without flag-burning is why not just the Islamic world but almost the rest oft the world hates the US.

The US is a nation founded by puritans and religious fanatics and you can still see it over and over again.

What's even worse is they just changed nothing but party like they ended terror worldwide.

Al Quaeda will still be bombing in ages to come and western troops therefore still will be dying in the desert in 50 years.

I'm not even convinced they really got him as the pictures circulating on TV looked nowhere even close to Bin Laden and they strangely got rid of the corpse very, very quickly before anyone even could see it.

[Mr Popodopolous]

We just had a raid on a terror cell in my hometown on sunday and we had the terrorists a couple of years ago that placed bombs on a train in Cologne that just did not went off as they were too stupid to build it correct.

I think it is not just and it is not right to make a special forces operation in a foreign country just to exercise capital punishment on a single person without a court case.

What's the difference to the 9/11 attacks ?

The US killed three or four, al Quaeda 3.000. Only difference.

This and this unbearable arrogant mindset of the US making them go out on the streets, singing and dancing, celebrating the death of a person just like the fanatics in the Middle East just without flag-burning is why not just the Islamic world but almost the rest oft the world hates the US.

The US is a nation founded by puritans and religious fanatics and you can still see it over and over again.

What's even worse is they just changed nothing but party like they ended terror worldwide.

Al Quaeda will still be bombing in ages to come and western troops therefore still will be dying in the desert in 50 years.

I'm not even convinced they really got him as the pictures circulating on TV looked nowhere even close to Bin Laden and they strangely got rid of the corpse very, very quickly before anyone even could see it.

Great post, agree with a lot of this! America is one of the less popular countries in the world I'd have thought, at least on a Governmental level. Hopefully their possible debt downgrade will help to reduce its global reach or maybe the rise of China and resurgence of Russia will help to counteract US hegemony. We can but hope. Your point about Bin Laden being executed though, apparently he was asked to surrender.

[BristolCityUSA]

I think it is not just and it is not right to make a special forces operation in a foreign country just to exercise capital punishment on a single person without a court case.

What's the difference to the 9/11 attacks ?

The US killed three or four, al Quaeda 3.000. Only difference.

This and this unbearable arrogant mindset of the US making them go out on the streets, singing and dancing, celebrating the death of a person just like the fanatics in the Middle East just without flag-burning is why not just the Islamic world but almost the rest oft the world hates the US.

The US is a nation founded by puritans and religious fanatics and you can still see it over and over again.

What's even worse is they just changed nothing but party like they ended terror worldwide.

Al Quaeda will still be bombing in ages to come and western troops therefore still will be dying in the desert in 50 years.

I'm not even convinced they really got him as the pictures circulating on TV looked nowhere even close to Bin Laden and they strangely got rid of the corpse very, very quickly before anyone even could see it.

You hate America, we get that. But don't you understand that killing 3,000 innocent people is a bit different than four terrorists? None of you will ever understand how Americans all across the country felt on that day, which is why you don't understand the feeling across the country now.

By the way, nobody I know was among those celebrating in the streets. You are making a small percentage of people look like the vast majority.

It's easy to think "well al Qaeda killed 3,000 and the United States kills four and both celebrated about it, what's the difference other than the number". Yet 2,974 of the 2,993 who were victim on that day had no motive other than getting from one part of America to another part. The other 19 had no motive other than blowing them out of the sky.

Yet you compare the United States to al Qaeda?

[Mr Popodopolous]

You hate America, we get that. But don't you understand that killing 3,000 innocent people is a bit different than four terrorists? None of you will ever understand how Americans all across the country felt on that day, which is why you don't understand the feeling across the country now.

By the way, nobody I know was among those celebrating in the streets. You are making a small percentage of people look like the vast majority.

It's easy to think "well al Qaeda killed 3,000 and the United States kills four and both celebrated about it, what's the difference other than the number". Yet 2,974 of the 2,993 who were victim on that day had no motive other than getting from one part of America to another part. The other 19 had no motive other than blowing them out of the sky.

Yet you compare the United States to al Qaeda?

I know it was directed at another poster but honest question- why is it people from cerrtain nations seem to assume that criticism of a succession of Governmental foreign policy means that said country is hated by the critic? Carry on.

[BristolCityUSA]

My reference using the word 'you' was meant as 'you, the rest of the world'.

I really don't want to start any international debate. I am just curious as to why a conversation about one of the most evil people on the planet getting his just demise has to have some anti-American sentiment.

[Mr Popodopolous]

My reference using the word 'you' was meant as 'you, the rest of the world'.

I really don't want to start any international debate. I am just curious as to why a conversation about one of the most evil people on the planet getting his just demise has to have some anti-American sentiment.

Didn't know one of Bush/Cheney had been bumped off- time to rejoice indeed!

Seriously though, people cheering probably didn't help in this regard, also the fact that if as is being reported in some places Pakistan did not know it is a violation of their sovereign territory- this is surely widely seen as arrogant and will inflame matters, in Pakistan at least.

[BristolCityUSA]

[Mr Popodopolous]

But regard to the original post, he compared the US govt. to al Qaeda. Personally, I did not celebrate. But there is an obvious distinction between people in that part of the world celebrating the death of so many people and citizens over here "celebrating" the demise of the monster who caused their death.

Seems obvious to me. Maybe it is something you have to be an American to understand. As much as I love both America and Britain, this is (surprisingly) one issue they will never agree on.

God Bless America, God Save the Queen,

If you mean the celebrations on 9/11, and I risk opening a can of worms here- I believe if it was the bit of the ME I'm thinking of- West Bank and Gaza- then yeah they would have been celebrating due to what seemed (at the time) like unconditional US support for Israel. That conflict I think is intrinsically linked to the whole al Qaeda thing and the recruiting ground for al Qaeda. Those in West Bank and Gaza certainly shouldn't have celebrated 9/11 but would I feel different if I lived under daily Israeli occupation in the knowledge that America (and the West but most notably America) provide consistent cover and support to said country? Who can say unless they've lived under such conditions really.

I like parts of this article by Hitchens too- and as a liberal I didn't think I'd find myself ever saying that!

http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2011/05/the-execution-of-osama-bin-laden-a-few-thoughts.html

[BristolCityUSA]

If you mean the celebrations on 9/11, and I risk opening a can of worms here- I believe if it was the bit of the ME I'm thinking of- West Bank and Gaza- then yeah they would have been celebrating due to what seemed (at the time) like unconditional US support for Israel. That conflict I think is intrinsically linked to the whole al Qaeda thing and the recruiting ground for al Qaeda. Those in West Bank and Gaza certainly shouldn't have celebrated 9/11 but would I feel different if I lived under daily Israeli occupation in the knowledge that America (and the West but most notably America) provide consistent cover and support to said country? Who can say unless they've lived under such conditions really.

I like parts of this article by Hitchens too- and as a liberal I didn't think I'd find myself ever saying that!

http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2011/05/the-execution-of-osama-bin-laden-a-few-thoughts.html

On that note wouldn't you also feel different living in America and having a 9/11-type event happen?

[Duesseldorf Citizen]

I did not say that I hate the US.

But I hate their habit and attitude, unbearable arrogance.

Sending a special forces team to Pakistan and kill and exercising capital punishment on a single person without hesitation.

This is not just.

And if we add up the lights of My Lai, Haditha and all other wars the US took part in without being asked for since the end of WWII, I'd like to know who killed more civilians - Al Quaeda or US troops...

[hinsleburg]

as a sidenote nice to see bristolcityUSA, we must have a city fan living in nearly all the continents now?

[CiderHider]

I have genuine reason to hate the American government, and I will die ******* hating them. but nots its people, who are just as much a victem of their gouverment as the rest of the world is.

I'm glad Bin Laden is dead and hope they tortured him for a bit, the guy was a sick coward and had it coming, I just wish it was the Pakistani forces than the US who did it.

USA thinks it can goto any country, anywhere and do what it likes, ******* arrogent ****, its little wonder people hate them so much, they have no ******* idea.

[CiderHider]

as a sidenote nice to see bristolcityUSA, we must have a city fan living in nearly all the continents now?

Quite a few American fans on otib afiak

[Mr Popodopolous]

I have genuine reason to hate the American government, and I will die ******* hating them. but nots its people, who are just as much a victem of their gouverment as the rest of the world is.

I'm glad Bin Laden is dead and hope they tortured him for a bit, the guy was a sick coward and had it coming, I just wish it was the Pakistani forces than the US who did it.

USA thinks it can goto any country, anywhere and do what it likes, ******* arrogent ****, its little wonder people hate them so much, they have no ******* idea.

Great post. Agree with this, though I would say about Bin Laden, would a trial have given US Government a little more moral authority than a straight out execution?

BCUSA- Agree, hard to empathise fully unless said experience felt- either on 9/11 or in the context of the celebrations in Gaza and WB.

[Mr Popodopolous]

I like how it now appears America shot an unarmed person- due process etc, nah forget it. Also, seems saying that Bin Laden used his wife as a human shield was also an 'error.'That moral standing has perhaps slipped another tiny notch.

[BristolCityUSA]

I did not say that I hate the US.

But I hate their habit and attitude, unbearable arrogance.

Sending a special forces team to Pakistan and kill and exercising capital punishment on a single person without hesitation.

This is not just.

And if we add up the lights of My Lai, Haditha and all other wars the US took part in without being asked for since the end of WWII, I'd like to know who killed more civilians - Al Quaeda or US troops...

At least the United States get involved in those wars to give citizens in those places basic human rights.

Ask just about any American soldier if he enjoyed killing a foe in battle, and the answer will most likely be a definitive NO. Al Qaeda kills that many INNOCENT Americans, and then laughs about it.