* Osama bin Laden, terrorist mastermind of the 9/11 strikes against America and leader of al-Qaeda, was killed in a U.S. military operation.

President Barack Obama addressed the nation tonight to inform the world that the terrorist behind the September 11, 2001 strikes against the US was killed in a military operation within the nation of Pakistan.

The incident that led to the highly sought after terrorist included what has been described as a firefight after which American forces took possession of bin Laden’s body. The incident occurred at a compound in Abadad, Pakistan.

The president said a lead emerged last August on bin Laden and that just last week he approved the operation which led to the firefight and ultimate death of the terrorist at the top of America’s “Most Wanted” list.

Bin Laden’s attacks against America killed nearly 3,000 people. He evaded capture for almost 10 years after the events of that day.

“Tonight I can report to the American people and to the world, that the US has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda,” Obama said in his address to the nation.

“Last August I was briefed on a possible lead. It took many months to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team and finally last week, we had enough intelligence to authorize action … and so I authorized an operaton to get Bin Laden. Today at my direction the US conducted an operation against that compound in Abadabad, Pakistan.”

The president said no Americans were harmed in the operation.

The president also pointed out that the death of bin Laden would not bring an end the U.S.’s efforts to reign in terrorism.

“(Bin Laden’s) death does not mark the end of our effort. We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad,” he said.

Among those Obama spoke to about the death of bin Laden prior to his address to the nation was former President George W. Bush. Bush was president at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

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