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Politics & Government

Osama Bin Laden Killed by American Special Forces in Pakistan

Pres. Obama Makes Late Night Announcement, Celebrations Ensue

Nearly 10 years after the Sept. 11 attacks, President Barack Obama announced Sunday night that Osama bin Laden has been killed.

In a nationally televised speech, Obama said he authorized an operation last week “to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.”

He said the U.S. launched a targeted operation in Abbottabad,Pakistan on Sunday. “After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body,” the president said. No Americans were harmed.

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U.S. special forces launched the assault by helicopter, sources reported, and were resisted by Bin Laden. Several others in the compounds were reportedly killed.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., released the following statement:

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"The President's announcement tonight is tremendous news for all Americans and for counterterrorism efforts worldwide. The superb work of our military and intelligence communities have led to the death of the mastermind of the worst attack in our nation's history.  It is indeed a great moment.

"I applaud our troops, intelligence operatives, and the Administration for never wavering in this important goal in the broader war on terrorism. 

"This is a particularly important day for the thousands of Americans who lost a family member, friend or loved one nearly ten years ago. And all of our thanks go to those who have been lost in our military efforts and to our veterans and their families.  

"This is indeed a significant moment and one that will continue to propel our efforts to root out terrorists wherever they reside.  We must continue to remain vigilant and focused on the protection of the American people."

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., released the following statement about the news:

“This event is a milestone in a decade-long global war on terror,” Reichert said.

“Thanks to the bravery and courage of our military men and women, Osama bin Laden will no longer be able to encourage violence and do harm to those whose only supposed crime is valuing freedom. Justice was served and the world is a safer place without this monster. Again, I thank our military and intelligence personnel for their service and sacrifice. This would not have been possible without their diligence and commitment to this essential mission.”

A jubilant crowd gathered outside the White House as word spread, the Associated Press reported.

Former President George W. Bush, who was in office on the day of the attacks, issued a written statement hailing bin Laden's death as 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.

Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way was named after one of the 9/11 victims. Beamer was a passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who stood up to the terrorists aboard the plane before it crashed.

For more, see http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/01/osama-bin-laden-dead-killed_n_856091.html.

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