( CNN ) -- The Taliban , one of Osama bin Laden 's closest allies , confirmed late Friday that the al Qaeda founder had been killed by U.S. commandos during a raid in Pakistan . The admission by the Taliban comes on the heels of one earlier in the day by al Qaeda , removing any question about whether bin Laden 's closest allies and his terror network believed he was dead . Al Qaeda statement on bin Laden 's death . Bin Laden `` embraced martyrdom as per the Will of the Almighty Allah during an abrupt attack by the American invading soldiers , '' according to a statement released by the Afghan Taliban , which had for years allowed bin Laden 's terror network to operate in Afghanistan . Al Qaeda statement in Arabic ( PDF ) President Barack Obama announced Sunday that bin Laden had been killed by U.S. commandos during a raid on a compound in Abbottabad , about 35 miles north of the Pakistani capital of Islamabad . Trove of data at bin Laden hideout provides first specific alert . On Friday , Obama and Vice President Joe Biden met privately with members of the Navy SEAL Team 6 , the unit that conducted the raid . Among the SEALs that Obama met at Fort Campbell , Kentucky , was the one who fired the fatal shots at bin Laden , but he was not singled out to the president , a senior administration official said . Obama and Biden thanked the commandos and were briefed on the operation by the unit members who conducted it , according to a White House official , who spoke on condition of anonymity . The official was not authorized to release the details of the meeting . Officials have said bin Laden was shot twice -- once in the head , once in the chest . He was buried at sea in what U.S. officials have described as a proper Islamic burial . Obama decided earlier this week not to release any photos of bin Laden 's body , saying he did not want to inflame Arab passions or appear to gloat . The decision drew sharp criticism from many , who wanted proof of the terrorist leader 's death . Others , including many in the town where bin Laden was killed , said they did not believe he was dead . But Friday 's acknowledgement by al Qaeda and the Taliban put to rest questions about whether bin Laden 's closest allies believed he had been killed by Navy SEALs . Al Qaeda confirmed its leader 's death in a Web statement and used that opportunity to taunt and threaten the United States . `` Sheikh Osama did n't build an organization that will vanish with his death or fades away with his departure , '' according to the statement , which CNN could not independently authenticate . U.S. races to dissect possible terror plots . The statement , which congratulates the `` Islamic Nation on the martyrdom of their devoted son Osama , '' repeated themes and threats made over the years in prior statements by the terror group . Al Qaeda 's statement surfaced as protesters packed the streets of Abbottabad in a rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami , Pakistan 's largest Islamist party . The demonstrators denounced the U.S. and Pakistani governments . First suspected drone strike in Pakistan since bin Laden raid . The statement also expressed disdain for the efforts and motives of the United States , saying that the Americans managed to kill bin Laden `` by disgrace and betrayal . '' `` Men and heroes only should be confronted in the battlefields but at the end , that 's God 's fate . Still we ask , will the Americans be able -- through their media outlets , their agents , their instruments , soldiers , intelligence services and their might -- be able to kill what Sheikh Osama lived for and was killed for ? How far ! How impossible ! '' According to the statement , bin Laden recorded an audio message a week prior to his death regarding the revolutions sweeping the Muslim world and offering advice and guidance . Al Qaeda indicated that the release of this message is forthcoming . Meanwhile , the Taliban statement said bin Laden 's death will reinvigorate the `` jihad , '' or holy war , against the United States and its allies . Bin Laden and the Taliban 's leader , Mullah Mohammed Omar , were said to have a close friendship . The Taliban said bin Laden has achieved martyrdom , something he had long worked toward . `` He reached his ambition with bravery , dedication and commitment in the last moments of his life , '' the Taliban statement said . Meanwhile , investigators poring over material seized by the SEAL team found details about a possible attack on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 , and the intelligence led Thursday to a nationwide alert regarding rail security .
NEW : This means the product will ship as received by the manufacturer, sealed, with all advertised components, and with the manufacturer warranty. NEW : Taliban says the terror leader has achieved martyrdom . NEW : Confirmation removes any question on whether his closest allies believe he is dead . The Taliban statement follows another one by al Qaeda .