Bin Laden's killing: US lawmakers warn al-Qaeda exists

Washington, May 2: Hailing the killing of dreaded terrorist Osama bin Laden, top US lawmakers today (May 2) warned that although the militant mastermind may be dead his organisation al Qaeda and its affiliates still live on.

"The killing of Osama bin Laden closes an important chapter in our war against extremists who kill innocent people around the world," Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said.

"A single death does not end the threat from al Qaeda and its affiliated groups. We must remain vigilant and committed to keeping the world safe and secure," he noted.

He said this is a victory for US intelligence and military professionals and a victory for the American people.

"It also brings a sense of relief to all of those who lost loved ones on 9/11," he said.

"The face of al Qaeda is dead. But the organisation and its adherents live on. While we can rejoice, we can't let our guard down," said Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the Terrorism, Non-proliferation and Trade Subcommittee.

"President Obama reported that Pakistani President Zardari was pleased. The concern is that many Pakistanis won't feel that way. We've killed a lot of terrorists. This is the big one. His killing has great symbolic value worldwide," Royce said.

Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Mike Rogers said that the terrorist has been brought to justice "with the blood of thousands of Americans on his hands, and brought justice to the families of his victims."

"This closes a key chapter in the war on terror it's hard to imagine an end to al Qaeda without the death of bin Laden. While we can all certainly celebrate this important victory, the fight will go on. We will not stop until al Qaeda has been eliminated," Rogers said.

Overjoyed at the death of bin Laden, Senator John McCain, said the world is a better and more just place now that the al Qaeda leader is no longer in it.

"I hope the families of the victims of the September 11th attacks will sleep easier tonight and every night hence knowing that justice has been done," he said.

"But while we take heart in the news that Osama bin Laden is dead, we must be mindful that al-Qaeda and its terrorist allies are still lethal and determined enemies, and we must remain vigilant to defeat them," McCain said.

Senator Richard G Lugar, the Ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said bin Laden's death in no way eliminates the threat from the terrorism he espoused.

"This is another reminder that Americans cannot hide from global affairs," he said.

Senator Frank Lautenberg said the al Qaeda terrorist's disciples must know that the free world is united against terror and will fight terrorists no matter who they are, where they hide and no matter who their protectors might be.

PTI