Trump announces death of Osama bin Laden's son in 'counter-terrorism operation'

'Hamza bin Ladin was responsible for planning and dealing with various terrorist groups'

Donald Trump has announced Hamza bin Laden, the son of former al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, was killed during a counter-terrorism operation in the region around the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

A statement issued by the White House said: "The loss of Hamza bin Laden not only deprives al Qaeda of important leadership skills and the symbolic connection to his father, but undermines important operational activities of the group."

The president did not immediately provide additional details, including the date of his death. It was previously reported on 31 July that he was killed in an air strike.

The US State Department announced in February a $1m (£799,615) reward for information leading to his “identification or location”.

The potential successor of his father, Hamza bin Ladin has been identified as a key member of the terrorist organisation by national security experts.

A press release the State Department published in February described him as an emerging al Qaeda leader.

“Hamza bin Ladin was responsible for planning and dealing with various terrorist groups,” Mr Trump said in his statement.

He was believed to be about 30-years-old and designated a global terrorist by the US two years ago.

Officials said the label was given after he threatened attacks against Western nations in response to the US killing his father in a raid on his compound under former President Barack Obama.

Letters between Hamza and his father were collected during the raid on Osama bin Ladin’s compound. The terrorist leader was reportedly grooming his son from afar.