Congressman J. Randy Forbes said Friday he is convinced that terrorist Osama bin Laden is dead after viewing post-mortem photos of the al-Qaeda leader.

Forbes was given the opportunity to view the photos based on his membership on the House Armed Services Committee. Members of defense committees in both chambers of Congress were invited to see the pictures of bin Laden.

“After viewing the photos, I am convinced that they are valid and that Osama bin Laden has been killed,” Forbes said.

He added that he respects President Barack Obama’s decision not to release the photos

“I believe that far too much information about this operation has already been disseminated and that such dissemination could put at risk those men and women who defend our freedom as well as those who will do so in the future.”

Bin Laden, whose terrorist organization took credit for the attacks on America on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as numerous other attacks, was killed by a U.S. military operation at a compound in Pakistan two weeks ago.

Photos were taken of his body both in the Pakistani compound, which was located in the city of Abbottabad, and on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson, where bin Laden’s body was dumped into the Arabian Sea.

Obama has decided against releasing the photos, saying it could threaten national security by providing a rallying point for bin Laden’s supporters.

Forbes said he will continue to focus on the military’s readiness.

“As chairman of the House Armed Service Readiness Subcommittee, I cannot waste any time doing a victory lap, but rather must focus my attention on the battles ahead that our nation faces,” Forbes said.