The US President Barack Obama confirmed bin Laden's death early this afternoon Australian time.

The terrorist was killed today in a firefight on a compound in Pakistan.

In a press conference in Canberra, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has welcomed the death of bin Laden and said justice has been served.

She said many Australians would be affected by the announcement, especially those who lost loved ones in the 2005 Bali bombing.

Mr Obama said US intelligence confirmed last week that bin Laden, 54, was hiding in that compound in Pakistan.

He said a small team of US soldiers were assembled to attack the compound and in that firefight bin Laden was killed and the military took custody of his body.

Mr Obama described it as the ``most significant' achievement in the war against terror to date.

Bin Laden topped America's most wanted list.

He is credited with masterminding the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York which killed thousands and the Pentagon in Washington.

The American military has spent the past decade hunting for bin Laden in Afghanistan and parts of neighbouring Pakistan.

Mr Obama said he made it his ``top priority'' to locate and capture bin Laden dead or alive, after he came into office.

The US Government was offering up to $27 million for bin Laden's capture.

Thousands have gathered around the country to celebrate bin Laden's death, including in front of the White House in Washington and ground zero and Times Square in New York.

The US government has now issued travel warnings for citizens in fear of revenge attacks.

Ms Gillard has also warned travelling Australians to be careful, especially in large gatherings or popular locations.

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