President Obama: Bin Laden Killed by U.S. Forces in Pakistan

Nearly ten years since the tragic attacks of September 11th, 2001, President Barack Obama announced that Osama bin Laden has been killed by American CIA forces.

Obama explained, "His death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant."

The President said he authorized Sunday's "targeted attack" on a compound in Abottabad, noting, "No Americans were harmed."

"A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. They took care to avoid civilian casualties," Obama said. "After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body."

The White House says President Obama held at least 9 meetings with a national security team prior to Sunday's raid, all of which were kept under wraps for months. Couriers working for Al Qaeda reportedly tipped off U.S. officials as to Bin Laden's whereabouts back in August of 2010.

The president said that last week was when he "determined that we had enough intelligence to take action."

Bin Laden's identity was confirmed through a DNA test.

Former President George W. Bush, who began the current war on terror also stated, "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

And hopefully it will stay that way, though an anonymous source warned that terrorists may be looking to exact revenge. "In the wake of this operation there may be a heightened threat to the homeland and to U.S. systems and facilities abroad. Al Qaeda operatives and sympathizers may try to respond violently to avenge Bin Laden's death and other terrorist leaders may try to accelerate their efforts to strike the United States. But the United States is taking every possible precaution to protect Americans here at home and overseas."

Upon hearing the news, crowds of people in New York City, including "Parks and Recreation" actor Rob Lowe, congregated in Times Square to celebrate.

The 54 year-old terrorist mastermind had topped the FBI's Most Wanted list ever since the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centers.

©2010, GossipCenter.com. All Rights Reserved