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In a sensational development, the US president Barack Obama announced on May 1, 2011, that Osama bin Laden, founder of the terrorist organization al Qaeda, was killed in a special covert intelligence operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
The officials have carried out the DNA tests, which they say match positively beyond doubt.
Who was Osama bin Laden?
Holding a top place in the FBI most-wanted list, bin Laden was known by many aliases - Usama Bin Muhammad Bin Ladin, the Prince, Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, the Emir, Mujahid Shaykh, Hajj, Abu Abdallah, and the Director.
He was born in a rich Saudi Arabian family in 1957. His father was a businessman and also had strong links with the Saudi royal family. His main interest lay in religion and its interpretation, and he believed that restoring the Sharia law strictly would solve the problems of the Muslim world.
His rise started when he pledged to fight the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in 1979, turning the Afghan resistance into a jihad. Around 1988, he formed al Qaeda, a jihadi terrorist organization. Al Qaeda went on to become a sophisticated terror group, resulting in many bombings and terrorist acts, including the 9/11 attacks.
How Osama was killed
The terror-mastermind was killed in a secret intelligence operation carried out by the US. While the full details have not been made available to the public, it was stated that Pakistan's ISI officials were also present at Abbottabad, 62 miles north of Islamabad. So in all likelihood, this was a joint operation.
The officials further said that Osama resisted the attack, but was finally shot in the head.
The future
It is likely that a successor would replace Osama to head the efficient and deep-rooted al Qaeda across the world. The victims of 9/11 have sure been avenged, but to say that the problem of terrorism is under control now, would be too optimistic.
World leaders delight over Osama's death
3.5.2011: Washington, DC: Tuesday 5:05 am - GMT: Tuesday 9:05 am
There is a mood of celebration everywhere, following Osama bin Laden's death. In USA, people were out in the streets and expressed their joy over the death of the terror mastermind responsible for the lives in the 9/11 attacks.
A few hours ago, US President Barack Obama had a phone conversation with many world leaders, who expressed their satisfaction and delight at the success of the operation carried out by the US intelligence. The African countries were especially jubilant, who said that justice was finally done toward Osama's victims.
US says retaliation likely
2.5.2011: Washington DC: Monday 8:40 am - GMT: Monday 12:40 pm
According to a statement by the US department of homeland security, the country should expect retaliation from the al Qaeda soon. A high alert has been issued to various diplomatic establishments overseas, and people living in sensitive areas have been advised to limit traveling outside.
It is likely that al Qaeda would be enraged by the sudden demise of its founder, especially given that it had declared war on USA more than a decade ago.
