AJC Hails Successful U.S. Operation Against Osama Bin Laden

NEW YORK, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AJC welcomed the historic news that terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in a location near Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad.

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The news was confirmed by President Obama in a remarkable address to the nation this evening, during which he reaffirmed America's relentless determination to defend our country, and praised the courage and heroism of those special forces and counter-terrorism officials who successfully tracked Bin Laden down.

"We express our heartfelt admiration and appreciation to the United States government for the relentless pursuit of Bin Laden, who had the blood of thousands on his hands," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "This is an extraordinary moment for all concerned about the fight against international terrorism. It sends an unmistakably powerful message of American resolve to go after those who would wreak human havoc in the name of their perverted hatred, packaged as fanatical faith."

"Much remains to be understood, of course, such as the future of the al-Qaeda network without its long-time leader," said Harris. "Moreover, how was it possible that bin Laden could apparently live hidden in plain sight in the heart of Pakistan -- and not in a cave but a mansion? In the end, did Pakistani officials actually help the U.S. track him down or, in fact, try to prevent his discovery? But for now, we can only breathe a sigh of relief and express profound gratitude that, nearly ten years after the horrors of 9/11, the killer-in-chief has, at long last, been hunted down and killed."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee