Re: Did US Forces enter Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden in Islamabad?
Dear Readers,
As of yesterday, the face of death, the symbol of terrorism was killed in a military operation. The death Usama Bin Laden (UBL) belongs to all humanity who suffered at the hands of UBL’s violent and hate filled ideology. Justice, on the side of humanity and the innocent, came as the Muslim world was rejecting UBL ideology of violent change, and striving for freedom and democracy through civil rights and social progress. However, while UBL death provides momentary relief, we bear in mind that this does not mean the end of Al-Qaeda terrorism. We remain committed, along with the international community and our regional allies to defeating Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorism. It is unfortunate to see some still, out of desperation, creating conspiracy theories. Therefore, for the sake of those who have suffered at the hands of Al-Qaeda’s terrorism, let us clarify misconceptions that have given rise to unjust conspiracy theories.
Burial: There were several factors behind the decision to bury UBL at sea. Many countries, including UBL’s birthplace, Saudi Arabia, disowned him and rejected his burial in the land of Mecca and Medina. Also according to Islamic burial laws, a dead body needs to be buried within a day of death. The burial was done to the best of our ability according to Islamic customs, out of respect towards the religion and in keeping with our practice of treating the dead with dignity, regardless of whether the individual was friend or enemy, or even a mass murderer like Bin Laden; Not a Muslim leader, but a murderer of Muslims. Both Al-Qaeda and the Taliban have sworn revenge for his death. It is sad to witness the insensitivity of conspiracy theorists towards the victims of terrorism who, joined by the international community, are relieved by the death of a terrorist who defamed Muslims and the peaceful religion of Islam with his terrorism.
Taliban commander vows to avenge Bin Laden's death | Taliban | The Guardian
Iraq police, army on high alert against Al Qaida revenge attacks
Fake Picture: The US government had no part in the release post mortem images of UBL, though at the time of this writing, such a release is being considered, to counter the inevitable conspiracy theories. A fake photo was apparently released (we do not know the origin, but it has apparently been circulated for years), one that has caused many to doubt the death of Al-Qaeda’s leader and consider the whole operation as staged. Let us assure you once again, the US conducted a successful DNA match with many members of his family which, along with visual and voice recognition, have confirmed his identity. We have strict policies against releasing footage of combat fatalities. Saddam Hussein execution was released by minor Iraqi officials with a cell phone camera and not by the United States. Whether images of his dead body will be released to the public or not, remains to be seen but beyond a shadow of a doubt, he was, forum readers, killed in Abbotabad, Pakistan.
CDR Bill Speaks
DET- U.S. Central Command
www.centcom.mil
