The Taliban made the claim in a statement, titled “The Martyrdom of Sheikh Osama Will not Benefit America,” which was released on its website, Voice of Jihad on May 11.

The Taliban characterized the NATO presence in Afghanistan as a “wicked war against the Islamic Ummah” (community or nation). The term ummah is used to describe the community of Muslims worldwide, not just in Afghanistan.

“As long as the invading infidels are bent on continuing their colonialist ambitions against the Islamic Ummah, until then, every committed son of the Ummah who has wake conscience and feeling will keep on protecting the Islamic values and sovereignty,” the statement said. “Therefore, the martyrdom of Sheikh Osama will not benefit the Americans.”