WATCH: President Announces Bin Laden is Killed by U.S. Forces

The mastermind of the worst terrorist attack on American soil has been killed, President Barack Obama announced in a late night Sunday television address. Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in a firefight with American forces in Pakistan on Sunday, almost 10 years after the attacks that killed almost 3,000 people.

Watch the address AFTER THE JUMP ...

Obama revealed that the most hunted man in the world was cornered by American military and CIA operatives at a mansion in a suburb of Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. "His demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity," said the President. “"And on nights like this one, we can say to families who have lost loved ones to al-Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done."

The Washington Post describes the operation:

The operation took place in Abbottabad, a city of about 100,000 in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 100 miles north of Islamabad. ... Obama said that he was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden’s whereabouts in August 2010 but that it took U.S. intelligence officials “many months” to run down the lead.

U.S. officials did not share with foreign governments any details about the operation before it took place, a senior administration official said, including with Pakistan, whose leaders were informed after the raid. Only a “very small number” of people within the U.S. government knew about it, the senior official said.

News of bin Laden's death attracted celebrations and crowds in Washington and New York City, reports CNN. "Hundreds of people arrived at the White House late Sunday night and chanted, 'USA! USA!'," reports CNN. "They then chanted, 'Hey, hey, goodbye!' in reference to the demise of bin Laden and then spontaneously sang the national anthem."

Unfortunately, the news increases the possibility of retaliatory terrorist attacks. "U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world were placed on high alert following the announcement of bin Laden's death, a senior U.S. official said, and the U.S. State Department should be sending out a new "worldwide caution" for Americans shortly. Some fear al Qaeda supporters may try to retaliate against U.S. citizens or U.S. institutions."

Watch the address AFTER THE JUMP ...

Comments

[Jim]

Well, after spending $2 billion a week on the war in Afghanistan for eight years, and after spending at least $1 trillion in Iraq, this was a pretty costly execution.

But not a problem. The Americans will happily give up their Social Security, their Medicare, and their system of public education to pay for it.

[Osiris]

...and done under Obama's watch, at that. Let's see how the republicans and Trump spin THAT.

[Mel Smith]

God bless America!!!

[Rico]

YES!

[Quest]

Job well done President Obama, this is truly an historical moment and symbolism in a greater sense. Hopefully we can now use this to start drawing down troops even more to return home. And @ Jim, nice try at playing the Debbie down role but u failed.

I know all the already scared to throw there names in the field republican candidates and are shook now that it really looks Obama has bought himself another 4 years. Love it!

[Honut Sinti]

Pres. Oabama: "And THAT's how you do it! Holla!"

[Brien]

Alicia Banks's balls must be in a vice-grip today!!! Well Done Mr. President.

[TheRevKev]

BIRTH CERTIFICATE ISSUE: DONE!

TRUMP: DONE!

OSAMA BIN LADEN: DONE!

Now, the troops are about to come home and it's DONE!

[DuttyBama]

No body. No proof. Keep believing what your government tells you.

[BLACK]

So proud of OBAMA AND THE MILITARY FOR KILLING THAT SCUM. And I love how TheRevKev wrapped up his accomplishments and proving the nay sayers wrong once again. I will vote for his second term with PRIDE!! NOT BAD FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT THAT HAS A LOT OF RACIST HATERS THAT CAN'T STOP HIM!!