KABUL, Afghanistan —Osama bin Laden’s death drew a mix of celebration and relief from his enemies around the world.

bin Laden, the face of global terrorism and architect of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was killed in a firefight with elite American forces, then buried at sea.

Spontaneous, celebratory rallies broke out Sunday night in New York City at ground zero, where the twin towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001 and outside the White House where President Barack Obama made the historic announcement.

Meanwhile, U.S. embassies across the globe were placed on high alert because of possible reprisals for his death.

Filipino Cookie Micaller, whose sister perished at the World Trade Center, wept in the Philippine capital today when she heard Obama on the radio announcing the killing of bin Laden.

“This is justice,” Micaller said, but added that terrorist attacks would continue: “I don’t think this is going to stop.”

In recent weeks, the U.S-led coalition has reported killing more than 25 al-Qaida leaders and fighters.

“This is welcome news, but it doesn’t really change our mission here. We’re still fighting the fight here in Afghanistan.” said Lt. Col. Patrick Seiber, a spokesman for U.S. forces in eastern Afghanistan.