Bin Laden killed by U.S. military operation

President Barack Obama announced live on national TV late Sunday evening that Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist behind the 9/11 attacks, was killed on Sunday by a U.S. military operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan, which is about 35 miles north of Islamabad.

The president stated that the he authorized the operation last week - after several months planning - and that a small team of U.S. military forces conducted the mission at a compound where Bin Laden was hiding. After a short firefight, Bin Laden was killed and his body was recovered. U.S. officials announced that Bin Laden's body was quickly buried at sea in accordance with Islamic custom. None of the Americans involved in the operation were harmed.

"Justice has been done," the president said.

Bin Laden's al-Qaida organization was behind the 9/11 attacks that killed over 3,000 people, the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 231 people, and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 American sailors in Yemen.

Troops from Navy SEAL Team Six, a top military counter-terrorism unit, have been identified as the team who carried out the operation. Three men, including one of Bin Laden's sons, and a woman were killed in the firefight with two other women injured.

On Sunday, president George W. Bush also issued a statement on Bin Laden's death:
"This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001."

"The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

Patriotic Gathering in Houston
Talk radio personality, Michael Berry is organizing a patriotic gathering in Houston, set for Monday afternoon at Hefley’s at 138 W. Gray in Houston to celebrate our military’s success. The event will begin at 4 p.m. with Michael Berry scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m. The event is a non-partisan patriotic gathering and everyone is invited.

Berry noted, “Whether you support or oppose our president, whether you are a Democrat or Republican or independent, this is a day to remember the victims of 9/11 and to honor the men and women who serve us every day in our military.”