The 15-nation UN Security Council also issued a statement welcoming the news "that Osama bin Laden will never again be able to perpetrate such acts of terrorism."

Ban told reporters "the death of Osama bin Laden, announced by President (Barack) Obama last night, is a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism."

"The crimes of al Qaeda touched most continents, bringing tragedy and loss of life to thousands of men, women and children," he said, adding "this is a day to remember the victims and families of victims here in the United States and everywhere in the world".

The written version of Ban's reaction included several remarks that were not included in the statement he made to reporters on camera. The additional comments made clear that Ban felt the US targeting of bin Laden was just.

US officials said late on Sunday that bin Laden had been killed in a U.S. assault on his Pakistani compound on Monday, then quickly buried at sea.

Reuters