U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the battle against al-Qaida and its syndicate of terror will not stop with the death of Osama bin Laden.
Clinton said the United States will relentlessly pursue those who murder innocent people.
She said the United States will continue to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan, warning the group that it cannot wait out or defeat the United States. But she said it can make the choice to abandon al-Qaida.
Clinton on Monday also thanked Pakistan for its cooperation, which, she said, "helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound in which he was hiding."
CIA Director Leon Panetta said Monday terrorist groups "almost certainly" will try to avenge bin Laden's death. He said the al-Qaida chief may be dead, but "al-Qaida is not.''
The Department of Homeland Security said it did not intend to issue a new security alert for the United States, but noted that the country remains at a "heightened state of vigilance."
The U.S. State Department has warned Americans living or traveling abroad to be extra vigilant following the killing of bin Laden.
A worldwide travel alert, issued Monday, says the killing could trigger "anti-American violence" in some areas. It says U.S. citizens who find themselves in such areas should limit travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.
The alert says Americans abroad should monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The State Department says embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens, if needed.
However, it notes that U.S. government facilities worldwide are at a heightened state of alert, and says these facilities may temporarily close or suspend public service to assess their security needs.
Clinton: Battle Against Terrorism Not Over
