Osama's killing catches fire on Twitter

BANGALORE, INDIA: Nine years, seven months and twenty days after the 9/11 tragedy that killed thousands in the US, President Obama announced that Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted terrorist, was killed.

But even before Obama announced the killing of the Al Qaeda founder in Pakistan, describing it as a most significant achievement in response to the 9/11 attacks, Twitter was agog with tweets saying that Osama is no more.

The Al Qaeda leader was killed in a ground operation based on US intelligence, the first lead of which emerged last August, and US forces took possession of his body, Obama said in a press conference.

In response to the killing of Osama in the soil of Pakistan, India said it underlined the concerns that terrorists find sanctuary in Pakistan.

US issues travel alert

Meanwhile, The US State Department issued a worldwide travel alert for its citizens, especially those living in Pakistan

"Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, US citizens in areas where 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," the State Department said in a statement.

Twitter beats mainstream media

Even before Obama began the press conference, which was delayed a bit from the scheduled time, Twitter was flooded with hundreds of #ObamaGuesses as to what would be the press conference about. There were umpteen guesses ranging from Gaddafi to Osama.

“Here's my #obamaguess: Either bin Laden/Gaddafi are dead. Not sure what else makes sense here, besides the arrival our of alien overlords,” read one.

Keith Urbahn, the chief of staff for Donald Rumsfeld, soon confirmed many guesses. "So I'm told by a reputable person they have killed Osama Bin Laden," he tweeted. And in no time his message was retweeted over and over again before Urbahn asked his followers to wait for the president's address before getting too excited.

A few minutes later, Jill Jackson, CBS News' Capitol Hill producer, followed Urbahn's note with additional sourcing: "House Intelligence committee aide confirms that Osama Bin Laden is dead," she tweeted. "U.S. has the body."

Soon news channels like CNN also confirmed that it was Osama and in no time, it was a flood of 'newsbreaks'.

“I Guess ..Osama being dead pretty much seals the deal for Obama's second term... well played Obama ..well played,” tweeted @Robin Williams after the announcement.

“Wow, Bin Laden is now dead!” tweeted another user named @Sabrihannasabrina

If Adam Hendra wanted “R.I.P Osama Bin Laden - World Hide And Go Seek Champion (2001 — 2011)”, Scott Kurosad thanked the UM Military for its accomplishment. “Thank you for the TIRELESS efforts of our US Military in eliminating Osama Bin Laden. I hope there is closure for all who lost loved,” read the tweet.

“I wonder if Daddy Bush is shaking his head thinking about all that money he put into Osama, I'd be mad too...,” tweeted SinSayShun ByeFelecia.

As Obama spoke on television, it was huge celebration outside the the White House in Washington DC, as people chanted "USA, USA" after the news emerged.

Osama had become the symbol of the Al Qaeda, even though the degree to which he commanded the organisation was questionable, said Stratfor, a strategic Washington think tank.

“The symbolic value of his death is obvious. The United States can claim a great victory. Al Qaeda can proclaim his martyrdom,” it said.

Osama had been implicated in a series of deadly, high-profile attacks that had grown in their intensity and success during the 1990s.

And that is why people, irrespective of their classes, went out to express their feelings.

After the news broke, pop star Leann Rimes said, “Omg, Bin Laden!!! Blessings to our troops and a bit of peace for our country and those who lost loved one's in 9/11”.

Christina Applegate, another pop star tweeted, “Truly a huge moment. We honor the lives lost at the hand of this insane. shall I say effing Ahole!now let's clean the rest of the messes”.

Added another tweet by Larry King, “Watching the news. Pres. about to speak. Interesting that Osama bin Laden killed just a few months from 10th anniversary of 9/11”.

But there were some who thought that Osama is already dead. “I thought Osama died a few years ago? This is great for Obama's re-election!” tweeted Perez Hilton.

So, it naturally give rise to another question. Is Osama bin Laden really dead?

With this development the microblogging sensation has once again proved it is platform with 'substance'. It is not just a place to express your shallow emotions. It is a place where hard core news travel in the speed of light!