The death of Osama bin Laden was celebrated around the world as a victory for justice, but many cautioned that it would not end terrorist attacks or ease suffering of those who lost loved ones in al-Qaeda bombings.
US embassies across the globe were placed on high alert and Americans were warned about possible reprisals for the death of the man who masterminded the September 11 attacks.
Haroun Mir, an Afghan analyst in Kabul, said: “Al-Qaeda will continue.”
He said the death in a raid on a mansion in Pakistan vindicated long-term allegations by Afghanistan that bin Laden enjoyed “safe havens” in the neighbouring country.
Chairul Akbar, secretary general of the anti-terrorism agency in Indonesia – the world’s most populous Muslim nation and a frequent al-Qaeda target – expressed jubilation at the news.
Attacks blamed on al-Qaeda-linked militants have killed more than 260 people in Indonesia, many of them foreign tourists.
“We welcome the death of one of the world’s most dangerous men and highly appreciate the US’ help in crushing this global enemy,” he said.
“He couldn’t be allowed to live. He helped spread a dangerous ideology all over the world, including in Indonesia.”
Said Agil Siradj, chairman of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, said Bin Laden’s death will help restore the image of Islam as one of people, not violence and radicalism.
“But I don’t think terrorism will stop with his death,” Mr Siradj said. “As long as there is oppression and injustice against Muslims in Palestine, it will continue.”
Brian Deegan, a lawyer from the southern Australian city of Adelaide who lost his 21-year-old son Josh in al-Qaeda-linked bombings on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali in 2002, said he felt a “cold shiver” when learning about Bin Laden’s death on a car radio.
“I don’t gain any satisfaction in his death – nothing will bring Josh back to me,” Mr Deegan said. “But as for my remaining three children, I gain a sense of some security. I feel better for the future for my remaining three children.”
Mr Deegan said he thinks most Australians will share his sense of relief.
“It does show that persons who exact horrific crimes on others on such a mass scale, even in this enormous world of ours, they can run and they can hide, but eventually they will be found,” he said.