The body of Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden has been buried at sea after he was killed by US covert forces in Pakistan , US media reported Monday.

Osama bin laden dead

Cable television networks CNN, MSNBC and Fox, said a senior U.S. official confirmed that the body of Bin Laden was thrown into the sea, without giving further details.

U.S. officials did not respond when contacted by AFP to confirm these reports.

But earlier an administration official said of the corpse: "We are ensuring that it is handled in accordance with Islamic practice and tradition.

"This is something we take very seriously. And so, therefore this is being handled in an appropriate manner."
Bury the body of Ben Laden in the sea would ensure that his final resting place does not become a sanctuary and a place of pilgrimage for his followers, ABC television reported earlier.