After nearly a decade on the run and presumed hiding in caves throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan, the violent and blood drenched career of Al-Quaida leader Osama Bin Laden came to an end on Sunday, May 1, 2011. In an operation lasting no more than 40 minutes, US troops swooped down on a heavily fortified million dollar mansion just outside of Pakistan’s capital, engaging in a brief firefight which left Bin Laden, one of his sons, and several other unidentified people dead.
Bin Laden’s body was identified through DNA testing and later buried at sea in accordance with Islamic law requiring that burial take place within 24 hours.
The military action was the result of months of covert intelligence operations that led military officials to conclude that a “high value target” was positioned in the mansion located in Abbottabad. It was carried out without the knowledge or consent of Pakistani authorities.
The assault involved two helicopters that landed in the compound, with US Navy SEALS engaging Bin Laden and his people in a firefight that lasted no more than 40 minutes. There are reports that Bin Laden was given the chance to surrender but refused, choosing instead to use a woman as a human shield. The woman was among those killed in the melee.
Bin Laden’s DNA was compared against DNA taken from his dead sister to make the final identification possible.
In the aftermath of his death, celebrations took place both at Ground Zero in New York City and in front of the White House, where President Barack Obama made the announcement to the American people late Sunday night. At the same time, the State Department issued a worldwide caution for Americans traveling abroad, with concern that they may be the target of retaliatory strikes. U.S. Diplomatic facilities were also placed on high alert.
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