Travel Alert Issued In Light of Bin Laden's Death

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and four commercial airplanes, was killed in Pakistan in a firefight with U.S. troops, President Barack Obama announced late Sunday night.

"For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies," Obama said in a speech (posted here). "The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda."

The president stated that he was briefed last August on an intelligence report that ultimately lead to bin Laden, and gave the order for the operation last week. Bin Laden was killed in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Obama stated.

With the word of bin Laden's death, the U.S. Department of State issued an alert  for  U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad, warning of  the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity  in Pakistan. 

"Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  This Travel Alert expires Aug. 1, 2011."