World now a safer place, says Obama

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Monday said that with the elimination of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the world is now a better and safer place.

Hailing the spirit and patriotism of his countrymen, Obama said the US has succeeded in keeping its commitment to see that "justice is done".

"I think we can all agree, this is a good day for America... The world is safer. It is a better place because of the death of Osama bin Laden," Obama said in his remarks at a White House function today.

He was speaking hours after himself breaking the news of bin Laden's killing in an operation by US Special Forces in Abbotabad city this morning.

"Today we are reminded that as a nation there's nothing we can't do when we put our shoulders to the wheel, when we work together, when we remember the sense of unity that defines us as Americans," he said.

The announcement of the major success in the war on terror sparked celebrations across the country with people breaking into impromptu celebrations in front of the White House and the Ground Zero.