The Taliban outfit fighting Afghan and NATO forces in a statement released to media on Saturday said the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden will further serve to increase morale in insurgents and encourage them in war against U. S. and NATO forces.

"The Islamic Emirate (name of ousted Taliban regime) believes the martyrdom of Sheikh Osama bin Laden will give a new impetus to the current Jihad (Holy war) against the invaders in this critical phase of Jihad. The tides of Jihad will gain strength and width. The forthcoming time will prove this both for the friends and the foes, if God willing," said the statement.

The al-Qaeda leader bin Laden reportedly was a great financer of Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S., was killed Monday in Pakistan.

The death of Bin Laden has already raised fears among war-weary Afghans of revenge attacks by Taliban and associated militants against Afghan and NATO-led troops in Afghanistan.