President Barack Obama has confirmed the death of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
In an address to the nation Sunday night, President Obama announced that U.S. forces launched an attack on a compound in Pakistan that was the known location of bin Laden.
The al Qaeda leader was killed and the U.S. took custody of his body. No Americans were harmed.
“The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in the defeat of al Qaeda,” Obama said. “Justice has been done.”
The president went on to say that he was briefed last August about the possible location of bin Laden at a compound in Pakistan.
After months of gathering intelligence to confirm the reports, he took action Sunday afternoon.
Obama went on to say, “His demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”
After Obama’s initial announcement of bin Laden’s death, he recalled the horrific images of Sept. 11 engrained in the minds of all Americans: “Nearly three thousand citizens (were) taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our heart.”
