President Obama announces the assassination of Osama bin Laden

Last night, President Obama announced the US military’s assassination of Osama bin Laden. He called the death of the al Qaeda leader the most significant achievement yet in the US war on terrorism:

“Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where Bin Laden was. That is what we've done. But it's important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to Bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, Bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.”

The President said no US troops were harmed in the early morning attack in Abbottabad, Pakistan, a city with many military installations. In fact, Bin Laden had been staying in a house just 800 yards from the Pakistan Military Academy. The building reportedly had cameras, but no phone or internet. The Special Forces operation took less than an hour and resulted in the death one woman and three men, including Bin Laden’s son. Officials announced this morning that Bin Laden’s body had been buried at sea.

Despite this pivotal development, both the US President and State Department Secretary Hillary Clinton were very clear that the war on terrorism is not over:

“Our message to the Taliban remains the same, but today it may have even greater resonance: You cannot wait us out. You cannot defeat us. But you can make the choice to abandon al-Qaida and participate in a peaceful political process.”

But speaking to lawmakers today, Afghan President Hamid Karzai repeated criticisms of the US strategy in his country and reminded world leaders that countless Afghan civilians have been killed over the last 10 years.

“We hope that terrorist activities cease after Osama bin Laden’s death. That was his punishment should also realize what we’ve repeatedly said all along, the war against terrorism should not be fought in Afghanistan it should be carried out in his safe haven, sanctuary and training camp, not in Afghanistan and today this has been proved right.”

Translation courtesy of Euronews.