[hang nadim] Osama is dead — and countries brace for a backlash

4 tahun dibayangi maut

2011/05/04
Lokasi Osama dikesan selepas utusan diekori






















WASHINGTON: Lokasi persembunyian Osama bin Laden mula dihidu Amerika Syarikat pada 2007 selepas mengenal pasti dua utusan dipercayai rapat dengan pemimpin al-Qaeda yang dituduh dalang serangan Pusat Dagangan Dunia pada 11 September 2001 (9/11) di New York.

Dua tahun selepas itu, dua ejen warga Pakistan yang bekerja dengan Agensi Perisikan Pusat (CIA) memperoleh identiti seorang daripada utusan Osama itu di Peshawar, Pakistan.

Berikutan itu, mereka berjaya mengesan kediaman yang dipercayai tempat Osama bersembunyi selepas menjejaki utusan itu ke Abbotabad dan mula memantau lokasi berkenaan mulai Ogos 2010.
Sejak Osama melarikan diri dari wilayah pergunungan Tora Bora di Afghanistan pada 2001 selepas serangan 9/11, jejaknya hilang selepas bersembunyi dan mengelak membuat atau menerima panggilan telefon.

Maklumat yang dikumpulkan mendapati dua utusan pemimpin al-Qaeda berkenaan tinggal bersama keluarga masing-masing, malah turut dihuni satu lagi keluarga besar.

Pegawai kanan berkata, keyakinan mengenai tempat itu dihuni seorang pemimpin kanan al-Qaeda semakin kukuh berdasarkan beberapa tanda mencurigakan di kediaman itu.

“Apabila kita lalu di bangunan itu, kita lihat siapa saja yang berada di dalamnya cuba menyembunyikan identiti mereka menerusi cara kawalan keselamatan ketat.
“Atas sebab itu, kami percaya Osama dan keluarganya tinggal di tingkat kedua dan ketiga bangunan utama,” katanya.

“Penghuninya mempunyai kediaman berharga jutaan dolar, tetapi tidak mempunyai sumber pendapatan tertentu. Jika dilihat kes ini, jelas ia adalah bukti menunjukkan militan berprofil tinggi berada di sini dan Osama adalah individu yang sepadan dengan profil itu,” kata seorang lagi pegawai.

Sehingga April lalu, Obama diberi tiga pilihan iaitu menghantar satu pasukan bersenjata bagi menahan atau membunuh suspek, melancarkan pengeboman atau terus menunggu perkembangan lanjut.

Hanya tiga perkataan digunakan oleh Obama pada Jumaat lalu untuk melancarkan operasi menahan atau membunuh musuh nombor satu Amerika itu – ‘It’s a go’ (Teruskan rancangan). – AFP

Tuesday May 3, 2011

Osama is dead — and countries brace for a backlash

PETALING JAYA: Security forces around the world raised their level of vigilance after the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a military operation by the United States in Pakistan.

International police agency Interpol issued a global alert to “a heightened terror risk from al-Qaeda affiliated or inspired terrorists” even as Osama's supporters took to the Internet to “vow revenge”.

Several countries, including the US, Britain and Japan, also announced security alerts for their nationals, embassies and bases.

In Malaysia, police announced the stepping up of security measures at important locations.

The US Embassy here warned Americans to be on the look-out but gave the assurance that its operations would continue as normal despite the warning.
n other developments:

> Celebrations erupted in US, especially at the White House and Ground Zero in New York, as news broke;

> Experts warn that despite Osama's death, terrorism would continue until the root causes have been addressed.

Related Stories:
Strategists warn of possible backlash from al-Qaeda followers
Najib: Osama's death shows violence is not the way
Security beefed up nationwide

Hishammuddin: Malaysia never a target for any terrorist movement
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has never been a target of any terrorist movement or militant group so far, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

"As of today, there is no real concern that Malaysia is a target. On how we deal with this threat in the future, it is very important to understand the mindset of these international criminals.

"They are not limited only to Islamic militants but also other militant groups," he said after receiving a courtesy call from Indian Foreign Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna at his office here Tuesday.

He also said it was not true that Malaysia was a breeding ground for terrorist networks or a place to recruit followers among university students.

Commenting on the death of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden Monday, Hishammuddin said it was more important now to look at what would unfold after this.

He said the police had tightened security in strategic places like embassies and public areas.

"Our counter-terrorism unit is also getting further information from their counterparts across the globe," he said. - Bernama

More on the aftermath of Osama bin Laden's death in The Star Wednesday

Related Stories:
Osama is dead - and countries brace for a backlash
Najib: Osama's death shows violence is not the way
Security beefed up nationwide