And hopefully taking it rectally from 72 male virgins .

In what could be the biggest breakthrough in Southeast Asia's counter-terror campaign in more than two years, Indonesian police are set to confirm that the man behind the region's deadliest terrorist bombings is dead.

Australia, scores of whose citizens have been killed in Indonesian terror attacks, welcomed the news that Azahari bin Husin, a Malaysian, apparently committed suicide during a standoff with police at a house in East Java Wednesday.

Canberra conceded, however, that the battle against Islamist terror in the region would continue for years.

Three men were killed after they evidently detonated a large bomb, following a series of smaller explosions. DNA tests are pending, but Australian federal police commissioner Mick Keelty said Thursday Indonesian police were convinced the remains included those of Azahari.

The death of Azahari, described as the master bomb maker for the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah (JI) network, would be a major coup for Indonesia and the most significant success in Southeast Asia's fight against the group since the 2003 arrest in Thailand of JI operations chief, Hambali.

Azahari, a geophysics professor who trained at terrorist bases in Afghanistan and the southern Philippines, is believed to have succeeded Hambali, who is in U.S. military custody.

Indonesia and Australia hold him responsible for bombings in Bali in 2002 and again last month; on a Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in 2003; and outside the Australian Embassy in the city last year.

More than 250 people were killed in the four attacks, including 92 Australians, at least 72 Indonesians, and seven Americans.

Keep on cleaning out the scum, boys, and maybe we can see an end to Islamist terrorism.

And might I send a fond wish to Azahari in his new infernal home -- BURN, BABY, BURN!

Posted by: Greg at 11:57 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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