ABBOTSFORD, B.C. - Stephen Harper received the dramatic news of Osama bin Laden's death with "sober satisfaction" late Sunday, warning the death of the most wanted terrorist in the world was not the end of international terrorism.

"Sadly, others will take his place," Harper told reporters during a campaign stop in Abbotsford, B.C.

The prime minister spoke shortly after U.S. President Barack Obama confirmed in a televised address from the White House that bin Laden was killed in an American military operation.

He was killed by a small team of Americans in a firefight Sunday at a compound in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad, about 100 kilometres north of the capital Islamabad. American officials said they had taken custody of bin Laden's remains.

The news comes just months before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Centers and Pentagon, orchestrated by bin Laden's al-Qaida organization, that killed more than 3,000 people, including 24 Canadians.

"The death of Al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden ... secures a measure of justice for these Canadians and their families," Harper said.

NDP Leader Jack Layton said the memories of the 9/11 attacks "will be ingrained on our collective memory forever."

"Tonight, as we recall the horrific events of September 11, we re-commit ourselves to promote Canada's role in the international community as a leading contributor to the world's peace, security and prosperity," Layton said in a statement.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff called bin Laden's death "very, very good news."

"This was a mass murderer, this man was a threat to every freedom-loving person alive, frankly," Ignatieff said Monday as he greeted voters outside the Royal York subway station in his Toronto riding.

"I hope it has a positive effect in Afghanistan, nobody can predict what effect it will have but I can't imagine it will have anything other than a positive effect."

Harper, who received the news from the White House, but had not yet spoken to Obama, said bin Laden's death is a reminder of why Canadian Forces personnel have been deployed to Afghanistan.

Canada has about 2,500 military personnel in Afghanistan, where 154 members of the Forces have been killed since the mission began in 2002.

"Through their operations there to cut off terror at its root, our men and women in uniform have made an enormous contribution to Canadian security abroad," he said.

At a small Canadian patrol base outside Salavat in Afghanistan's Panjwaii district, initial disbelief and jubilation followed the quickly spreading word of bin Laden's death Monday morning.

"I just found a few moments ago: Good news (and) another indication that we're winning the war," said a smiling Warrant Officer Gabriel Bernard, as he gave a double thumb's up.

"Hopefully, it's a step forward toward world peace and a resolution for the conflict here in Afghanistan."

Some wondered what the reaction might now be from both al-Qaida and the insurgents in Afghanistan.

"Many consider him a saint," said one man on the base, who preferred not to be identified.

Moments after Obama spoke, American officials cautioned that the events could lead to heightened threats against the United States.

In Ottawa, the Department of Foreign Affairs updated its website advisory after the Obama speech for Canadians who may be in Afghanstan and Pakistan.

It said Canadians should avoid all gatherings and demonstrations in those countries, and to stay away from areas where they may take place, as they could turn violent without warning.

The department has long advised against all travel to Afghanistan and to avoid non-essential travel to Pakistan.

In his remarks, Harper said security officials work tirelessly and with success to prevent similar attacks in Canada.

"Protection of the public is the first and most important duty of government."