His body has been recovered by US authorities, US President Barack Obama has confirmed after a fire fight with US forces.

Obama made the dramatic announcement in a hastily called, late-night appearance  at the White House.

Obama said  the US had enough evidence last week to launch an operation against a compound where bin Laden was believed to be hiding in Pakistan.

A small team of US soldiers landed in the compound and after a firefight killed bin Laden. They had his body. DNA tests confirmed it was bin Laden’s body.

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