Reports of the death of Osama bin Laden have been greatly exaggerated. (Hat tip: LGF readers.)

An Islamist website has inadvertently triggered rumours that Osama bin Laden is dead. The article about the al Qaeda leader carried a headline suggesting the Saudi fugitive had died. It prompted flutters on the financial markets and triggered rumours on internet sites of bin Laden’s demise.

However, closer reading of the article revealed that the author was simply suggesting the 9/11 architect could die at any time and Muslims should be prepared for his death.

Yasser al-Siri, an Egyptian dissident who ran the Islamic Observation Centre in Britain and who is considered close to al Qaeda, told the Al Sharq al Awsat newspaper that bin Laden is alive.