Online jihadis eulogize ‘lion of Islam’ bin Laden

News of the killing of al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden has sent shock waves through many jihadi online forums around the world.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Al Qaida Flag 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Al Qaida Flag 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
News of the killing of al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden has sent shock waves through many jihadi online forums around the world.
“God bless you, o lion of Islam, who stood in the face of betrayal and for triumph in Gaza and Palestine,” wrote a member of the Palestinian forum Paldf, which is aligned with Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
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“The sheikh of the mujahadeen [holy warriors] is everywhere,” wrote a second member of the forum.
Images of bin Laden surrounded by flowers and stars – and portraying him as a “martyr” – peppered the website.
On other jihadi forums around the world, members expressed shock, disbelief and sadness over the news of bin Laden’s killing – while others asserted that the jihad would continue.
The Jihadology website made a large number of messages available in the hours following news of bin Laden’s death.
One member expressed concern about reports that information obtained from Khaled Sheikh Muhammad (the al-Qaida operative in US custody who is accused of planning the 9/11 attacks), led to bin Laden’s hideout.
“Are Guantanamo prisoners disclosing the secrets of jihad and the mujahideen? Are the Mujahideen in danger?” he asked.
Others cast doubt on the US announcement, claiming that bin Laden was alive.
“Sheikh Bin Laden is not dead! What a farce from the Tawaghit [idol worshipers]!!” wrote one person.
“Jihad will continue until the Day of Resurrection,” wrote another.