Asian Terror Kingpin Killed

Indonesian security forces have confirmed the death of the country's most wanted terrorist, ABC reports. Noordin Top, believed to have masterminded every terror attack in the country since 2002, including that year's Bali bombings and last month's Jakarta hotel bombings, was found dead after a 17-hour standoff and gun battle with police at a house in a remote part of Java.

The assault on Noordin's hideout followed the arrest yesterday of several men from a terror cell loyal to the Islamic extremist. Police seized a quantity of explosives and believe another terror attack was imminent. The Malaysian-born Noordin, known as "The Financier," was famed for his ability to recruit suicide bombers and his almost mystical ability to avoid capture. Analysts believe his death will deal a crushing blow to jihad in Indonesia and will enable authorities to hunt down what remains of his Jemaah Islamiah terror network.
(More Indonesia stories.)