Is the 9-11 mastermind dead?

Washington D.C: Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden is dead. The US President Barack Obama made this announcement from the White House close to midnight. In his address, Barack Obama stated that the terrorist was gunned down in a military operation conducted by the US forces near Islamabad in Pakistan.

"We got first lead on Osama in August", said Obama. "The world's most significant battle against terror has been won. This is a historic day for both nations (US & Pakistan). Justice has been done."

"The US has taken custody of Osama's body. No civilians or Americans were injured in the incident", Obama assured the world in his address.

Osama bin Laden is dead: Barack Obama

Obama added that the US was not at war with Islam. "Bin laden was no Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims. His demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity."

The US President's announcement came after media reports stated the same.

Following the reports, confirmations came from both the US administration and the CIA which led the operation which killed Laden in Pakistan.

Osama Bin Laden tops the US most wanted list. He is accused of a number of atrocities, including the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001.