Osama Bin Laden Killed by U.S. Forces

Addressing the nation from the White House on Sunday evening, President Barack Obama confirmed that al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was gunned down in a mansion near the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. 

The announcement of bin Laden's death comes just four months before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which resulted in the death of nearly 3,000 Americans.

President Obama said he gained credible intelligence about the terrorist leader's whereabouts last week and ordered the strike on the compound on Sunday.

After a firefight, a small team of American forces killed bin Laden and took possession of his body.

"For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies.  The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda," Obama said in a statement posted on the White House website.

News reports Monday said that bin Laden's body had been buried at sea and had been handled in accordance with Islamic custom.

Obama warned bin Laden's death does not mark the end of the United States' efforts to combat al Qaeda.

"There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us," Obama said.  "We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad."

The President added that Americans did not start this fight and fully understand the human costs of this decade long war, but will not tolerate threats against our national security.

"We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies," he said.  "We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror:  Justice has been done."