Osama Bin Laden Killed in Pakistan

In what can be adjudged to be one of the most dramatic and eventful Sunday night statements, Barack Obama announced the death of the elusive terror king, Al-Qaeda founder and leader, Osama Bin Laden, in a US operation, in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The President announced the astonishing development during an address to the nation late Sunday night (1st May, 2011) from the White House. The exultant President said, "Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda." It was in late August that US forces got information regarding whereabouts of Laden and since then they have been in pursuit of Laden tirelessly. Laden was killed in a firefight in a compound in Pakistan. The news was made public by the President after Laden's death was confirmed through the DNA test.

The death of the world's most wanted man who is said to have put the Islamic 'holy war' on the global platform is seen as a breakthrough for the global war against terrorism. The world had faced atrocities of Bin Laden since decades and it reached its peak when the Twin Towers of The World Trade Center and The Pentagon were brutally attacked on September 11, 2001. The attack was orchestrated by Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda organization and it had killed nearly 3000 people. It was this single attack that started an era of confrontation between the Islamic militant groups and the Western powers, spear headed by the mighty US. Though the 9/11 attack forced Laden into hiding, it served as a motivation for the global jihadist movement, that spread its presence globally, like a hydra headed monster. During his years, Laden evolved as the inspirational figure for the young and angry idealists all across the globe, which further worsened the menace of terrorism.

Regardless of the fact that Osama had $25 mn bounty on his head, he remained a mystery for the US and its allies for over a decade. After the sensational announcement by the President, groups of jubilant citizens gathered outside the White House cheering, 'USA, USA'. The former American President Bill Clinton was quoted saying,"This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in Al-Qaeda's other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children." Clinton's successor President George W Bush who was also in charge of US for few years, in the past tumultuous decade, said in a statement, "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done".

With the terror king and an inspiration for Islamic militants kissing the dust, the US officials have warned of possible attacks from the enticed and violent terrorist organizations across the globe. While we rejoice over the greatest achievement in the global war against terrorist, all nations must now stand united to ensure that the war on terrorism goes on and terrorists with such nefarious pursuits are nailed to their coffins.