Osama bin Laden Killed

Osama Bin Laden has been killed after a firefight in Pakistan Sunday.

President Barack Obama addressed the nation at about 10:35 p.m. Obama confirmed that bin Laden was killed in a U.S. operation.

Obama said bin Laden was hiding in a compound deep inside Pakistan. He said last week the CIA had gathered enough intelligence that he authorized a targeted action against the compound.

A small team of Americans carried out the operation, after a firefight bin Laden was killed and his body secured. The President said that no Americans were injured or killed in the operation.

"The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al-Qaida," Obama said. "Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort."

As news spread of bin Laden's death, celebratory crowds gathered around the White House, chanting "U-S-A" and singing The Star Spangled Banner, CNN was reporting.

"Let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11," Obama said. "I know that it has at times frayed yet today's acheivement is a testament to the greatness of our country."

The leader of al-Qaida, considered the top enemy of the United States, had eluded captors since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.