Mike O'Sullivan Los Angeles
May 03, 2011
Osama bin Laden (L) sits with Al Qaida's top strategist and second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahri in this 2001 file photo.
As Americans reacted to the news of Osama bin Laden's killing by U.S. commandos, officials warned that the al-Qaida leader's death in a firefight in Pakistan does not remove the threat of terrorist attacks. Bin Laden's killing by American elite forces closes a chapter in the war on terrorism, but officials say the battle against al-Qaida and other terrorist groups will continue.
The successful raid in the Pakistan city, Abbotabad in the early hours Monday led President Obama to declare that “justice has been done.” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it a “watershed moment.” But French President Nicolas Sarkozy cautioned that this is not the end of al-Qaida and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the fight will not end with bin Laden's death.
“Continued cooperation will be just as important in the days ahead, because even as we mark this milestone, we should not forget that the battle to stop al-Qaida and its syndicate of terror will not end with the death of bin Laden,” Clinton said.
John Brennan, President Obama’s assistant for homeland security and counterterrorism, told reporters that the al-Qaida leader was "hiding in plain sight," and must have had help. Bin Laden was tracked to a compound in an affluent neighborhood about 50 kilometers from the capital, Islamabad, in an area heavy with Pakistani military and intelligence personnel.
Brennan told reporters Monday that al-Qaida is damaged but remains dangerous. He adds that it is out of step with events in the Muslim world.
The successful operation comes just months before the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington of September 11, 2001. In the 10 years since then, government buildings in the United States have had security upgrades.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement saying it would not issue an alert because of bin Laden’s death, but said the agency remains at a heightened state of vigilance.
Local officials around the country echoed the comments coming from Washington. Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck called the day of bin Laden's death a great day for America, but issued a caveat.
“While we savor that victory, we have to be ever mindful that taking away the leader does not remove the organization," Beck said. "We still face significant threats and, while there are no specific threats to Los Angeles, the general threat (is there) and my obligation is to keep this city safe.”
Los Angeles resident Margaret Gray drove to the airport to drop off her daughter, who was flying to Chicago, and Gray was pleased to see added security.
“There is a security stop on the way in and he needs to check in the back of my truck. I mean, he just peaked in the window, but he was so positive and ended up saying 'Have a great day.' It's not like extreme measures or anything, so I feel good that they want to stay on top of things and they're trying to be alert and ready,” Gray said.
Analyst Robert Guttman of Johns Hopkins University says the heightened vigilance will continue in major cities in the United States and elsewhere.
“It’s not over. I think it’s going to be a heightened security all around the United States - especially in New York, Washington and London,” Guttman said.
A number of key al-Qaida figures have been killed or captured, but others remain at large, including Ayman a-Zarahiri, Osama bin Laden's deputy.
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Comments (10)
03-05-2011 Ifiok Michael (Nigeria)
Policy makers in the world should not make the same mistake again by creating other Bin Laden's by their actions. All the same congratulations!
03-05-2011 hamad part 1 of 3 (Oman)
It seems Ben Laden death makes Americans feel more threatened and terrified instead of feeling more secure and safe . It is like close one door and open thousand windows . I feel that Some Americans feel more important when they feel that terrorist and extremists are observing their movements . I do not know why ? I reiterate that Muslims have had no problem with Americans at all .
03-05-2011 hamad part 2 of 3 (Oman)
Our problem is restricted to Zionists who have been exploiting Republicans and weakness of Americans to fulfill their aims easily with less losses .We understand extremely well that US politicians are not allowed to amend their foreign policy because Zionists have been controlling US budget and politicians but people have the right to pursue their essential rights whether inside US or cross Arab world .
03-05-2011 hamad part 3 of 3+extra (Oman)
Accumulating contradictions of US foreign policy under the influence of Zionists have cost Americans heavy loss in souls and assets over all those years and tortured the US image around the world brutally .Recent situation has clarified many facts on the ground which will help Americans to see the big picture clearly . Those apparent contradictions are fertile ground to grew terrorism and extremists ideology .
03-05-2011 hamad extra (Oman)
Any way , the Ideology of Al-Qaida has become so weak cross the world because Arab nation have been able to liberate themselves from autocrats and dictators who have been sustained strongly by Israel and its alliance at the expenses of Arab nations rights . That could reduce radical ideology and help innocent people to pursue their essential rights which will draw new political map .
03-05-2011 Winsor (US Citizen)
The operation leading to Osama Bin Laden death..President Obama gave the green light.. And then on Sunday a "small team of Americans" carried out the targeted operation against the compound in Abbottabad, an affluent area north of Islamabad."
03-05-2011 Chris (Kenya)
Us and any other countries should continue upgrading security as we mark the end of terrorism.
03-05-2011 geme (eritria)
i am not happy for the death of Osama bin Laden,and i would like to say that to obama don't pull our leg down to obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
03-05-2011 (South Africa)
It would be good if that indeed really happened! I'm affraid because I'm not sure whether there have been any DNA conducted on the alleged 'Osama Bin Laden's' body!
03-05-2011 Alexander muhako (NAMIBIA)
With 11/09/2001 Sadness to the whole world Coused by another human being and he was at large for years thinking that he'll not be found and his hidings gave him a reward that is visible to the world . All terrorist must be gun to follow their leader . BIG UP FOR THE AMERICANS
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