Getting Osama bin Laden: How the mission went down
What we know so far, a sequence of events that have occurred and have been reported on by Senior officials to date. Please see the data, links, and information linked to this page to see the big picture. Darla and Mellie
Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden (Arabic: أسامة بن محمد بن عوض بن لادن, ʾUsāmah bin Muḥammad bin ʿAwaḍ bin Lādin; March 10, 1957 – May 2, 2011)[1][2][3] was the founder of the jihadist organization al-Qaeda, which is largely believed to be responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States and numerous other mass-casualty attacks against civilian and military targets. He was also a member of the wealthy Saudi Bin Laden family.
Bin Laden was on the American Federal Bureau of Investigation's lists of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and Most Wanted Terrorists for his involvement in the 1998 US embassy bombings.[4][5][6] Since 2001, bin Laden and his organization had been major targets of the War on Terror.
On May 2, 2011, bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan in an operation conducted by American military forces and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).[2][7]
Wikipedia
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54093.html#ixzz1LDQUfWg4
See Obama's speech transcript below
___________________________________________________________________________________
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8488004/Osa...
______________________________________________________________________________
read more of this article here
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-body-heade...
_____________________________________________________________________________
Potential White House Candidates Praise Obama After UBL’s Death
by Carl Cameron | May 02, 2011
"Welcome to Hell, bin Laden."
That's how former Baptist minister and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee summed up the news that the world's most wanted man is dead.
"It is unusual to celebrate a death," Huckabee, who still hasn't decided on a 2012 presidential run, said in a statement, continuing, "but today Americans and decent people the world over cheer the news that madman, murderer and terrorist [U]sama Bin Laden is dead."
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a devout member of the Mormon Church who is exploring a 2012 run, said his thoughts were with the thousands of victims and brave servicemen who died pursuing bin Laden.
"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere," Romney said in a statement. "Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president."
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty noted that President George W. Bush promised to bring bin Laden to justice, but warned the fight against "radical Islamic terrorism is not yet over." The Republican presidential aspirant also praised the current commander in chief by name.
Read more: http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/05/02/potential-white-house-...
___________________________________________________________________________________
What Congress is saying on the Death of Bin Laden:
John Boehner:
Harry Reid
__________________________________________________________________________________
President Obama called George W. Bush and Bill Clinton on Sunday before he announced that Osama bin Laden had been killed, a White House official told reporters on a conference call.
Obama called Bush and Clinton to "preview" his statement, said the senior administration official, who refused to be identified on the call.
The official also said that Obama chaired five national security meetings since March to discuss intelligence on Osama bin Laden. Those meetings, the official said, were on March 14, March 19, April 12, April 19 and April 28. Obama authorized the attack on bin Laden on Friday, April 29, the official said.
More here
Former presidents are weighing in on the killing of Osama bin Laden by American forces operating inside Pakistan.
Former President George W. Bush, whose entire presidency was defined by the September 11th attacks, said in a statement tonight that President Obama called him to inform him of the news of bin Laden’s death.
Bush called the operation a “momentous achievement” that “marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.”
“I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude,” the former president said in a statement. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”
the rest of the article here
Transcript of Obama's Statement on Osama Bin Laden:
East Room
11:35 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory -- hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.
We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda -- an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.
Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
END 11:44 P.M. EDT
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead
Here are Video Links from Inside the Compound where Bin Laden was Killed (Please Note these videos are graphic)
Inside the Kill Zone
Inside The Mansion
The administration has NOT released any photos at this point. Any photos circulating are not real.
The administration is looking at releasing photos that will not show our methods or secrets or compromise future plans. They will release something soon.
| Osama bin Laden أسامة بن لادن | |
|---|---|
| March 10, 1957 – May 2, 2011 (aged 54) | |
 | |
| Place of birth | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Place of death | Abbottabad, Pakistan |
| Resting place | International waters |
| Allegiance | Al-Qaeda |
| Battles/wars | Soviet war in Afghanistan War on Terror: |
Bin Laden was on the American Federal Bureau of Investigation's lists of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and Most Wanted Terrorists for his involvement in the 1998 US embassy bombings.[4][5][6] Since 2001, bin Laden and his organization had been major targets of the War on Terror.
On May 2, 2011, bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan in an operation conducted by American military forces and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).[2][7]
Wikipedia
The helicopter carrying Navy SEALs malfunctioned as it approached Osama bin Laden’s compound at about 3:30 p.m. ET Sunday, stalling as it hovered. The pilot set it down gently inside the walls, then couldn’t get it going again.
It was a heart-stopping moment for President Barack Obama, who had been monitoring the raid in the White House Situation Room since 1 p.m., surrounded by members of his war cabinet.
“The assault team went ahead and raided the compound, even though they didn’t know if they would have a ride home,” an official said.
The special forces put bombs on the crippled chopper and blew it up, then lifted off in a reinforcement craft just before 4:15 p.m., capping an astounding 40 minutes that gave the United States a tectonic victory in the 10-year war on terror touched off by 9/11.
“The world is safer. It is a better place because of the death of Osama bin Laden,” Obama said at the White House Monday.
It was a heart-stopping moment for President Barack Obama, who had been monitoring the raid in the White House Situation Room since 1 p.m., surrounded by members of his war cabinet.
“Obviously, everyone was thinking about Black Hawk Down and Desert One,” a senior administration official recalled.
The SEALs disembarked.“The assault team went ahead and raided the compound, even though they didn’t know if they would have a ride home,” an official said.
The special forces put bombs on the crippled chopper and blew it up, then lifted off in a reinforcement craft just before 4:15 p.m., capping an astounding 40 minutes that gave the United States a tectonic victory in the 10-year war on terror touched off by 9/11.
“The world is safer. It is a better place because of the death of Osama bin Laden,” Obama said at the White House Monday.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54093.html#ixzz1LDQUfWg4
See Obama's speech transcript below
___________________________________________________________________________________
Osama Bin Laden's body 'identified by sister's brain'
Osama bin Laden's body was identified by US authorities by matching a DNA sample to one taken from his late sister's brain, according to reports.
Osama bin Laden was shot in the head and chest by US Navy seals Photo: Sipa Press/Rex Features
When his sister, who has not been named, died from brain cancer several years ago in Boston the FBI immediately subpoenaed her body so that it could later be used to identify the al-Qaeda leader if he was caught, it was claimed.
The brain was preserved and tissue and blood samples taken from it were used to compile a DNA profile, ABC News reported.
Read the rest of this article herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8488004/Osa...
______________________________________________________________________________
Osama Bin Laden Body Headed for Burial at Sea, Officials Say
May 02, 2011 1:59 AM
Under Islamic tradition, ABC's Zunaira Zaki reports, the body would be washed by Muslim men and buried as soon as possible, usually by the next prayer (Muslims pray five times a day), although there may be delays under certain circumstances (for autopsies, for example). The body is usually buried in a simple white sheet -- whether buried in the ground, or at sea.read more of this article here
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-body-heade...
_____________________________________________________________________________
Potential White House Candidates Praise Obama After UBL’s Death
by Carl Cameron | May 02, 2011
"Welcome to Hell, bin Laden."
That's how former Baptist minister and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee summed up the news that the world's most wanted man is dead.
"It is unusual to celebrate a death," Huckabee, who still hasn't decided on a 2012 presidential run, said in a statement, continuing, "but today Americans and decent people the world over cheer the news that madman, murderer and terrorist [U]sama Bin Laden is dead."
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a devout member of the Mormon Church who is exploring a 2012 run, said his thoughts were with the thousands of victims and brave servicemen who died pursuing bin Laden.
"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere," Romney said in a statement. "Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president."
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty noted that President George W. Bush promised to bring bin Laden to justice, but warned the fight against "radical Islamic terrorism is not yet over." The Republican presidential aspirant also praised the current commander in chief by name.
Read more: http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/05/02/potential-white-house-...
___________________________________________________________________________________
What Congress is saying on the Death of Bin Laden:
John Boehner:
Boehner credits and thanks two presidents for bin Laden's slaying
Harry Reid
Reid: Troop exit timetable stands
More info on what Congress is saying on this News located at TheHill__________________________________________________________________________________
Bush is called before statement
Obama called Bush and Clinton to "preview" his statement, said the senior administration official, who refused to be identified on the call.
The official also said that Obama chaired five national security meetings since March to discuss intelligence on Osama bin Laden. Those meetings, the official said, were on March 14, March 19, April 12, April 19 and April 28. Obama authorized the attack on bin Laden on Friday, April 29, the official said.
More here
Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton Issue Statements on Osama Bin Laden Death
May 01, 2011 11:55 PM
ABC's Karen Travers and Z. Byron Wolf report:Former presidents are weighing in on the killing of Osama bin Laden by American forces operating inside Pakistan.
Former President George W. Bush, whose entire presidency was defined by the September 11th attacks, said in a statement tonight that President Obama called him to inform him of the news of bin Laden’s death.
Bush called the operation a “momentous achievement” that “marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.”
“I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude,” the former president said in a statement. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”
the rest of the article here
Transcript of Obama's Statement on Osama Bin Laden:
East Room
11:35 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory -- hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.
We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda -- an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.
Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
END 11:44 P.M. EDT
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead
Here are Video Links from Inside the Compound where Bin Laden was Killed (Please Note these videos are graphic)
Inside the Kill Zone
Inside The Mansion
CIA Reveals Diagrams And Aerial Photos Of The Bin Laden Compound
The administration has NOT released any photos at this point. Any photos circulating are not real.
The administration is looking at releasing photos that will not show our methods or secrets or compromise future plans. They will release something soon.
Getting Osama bin Laden: How the mission went down
What we know so far, a sequence of events that have occurred and have been reported on by Senior officials to date. Please see the data, links, and information linked to this page to see the big picture. Darla and Mellie
Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden (Arabic: أسامة بن محمد بن عوض بن لادن, ʾUsāmah bin Muḥammad bin ʿAwaḍ bin Lādin; March 10, 1957 – May 2, 2011)[1][2][3] was the founder of the jihadist organization al-Qaeda, which is largely believed to be responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States and numerous other mass-casualty attacks against civilian and military targets. He was also a member of the wealthy Saudi Bin Laden family.
Bin Laden was on the American Federal Bureau of Investigation's lists of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and Most Wanted Terrorists for his involvement in the 1998 US embassy bombings.[4][5][6] Since 2001, bin Laden and his organization had been major targets of the War on Terror.
On May 2, 2011, bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan in an operation conducted by American military forces and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).[2][7]
Wikipedia
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54093.html#ixzz1LDQUfWg4
See Obama's speech transcript below
___________________________________________________________________________________
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8488004/Osa...
______________________________________________________________________________
read more of this article here
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-body-heade...
_____________________________________________________________________________
Potential White House Candidates Praise Obama After UBL’s Death
by Carl Cameron | May 02, 2011
"Welcome to Hell, bin Laden."
That's how former Baptist minister and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee summed up the news that the world's most wanted man is dead.
"It is unusual to celebrate a death," Huckabee, who still hasn't decided on a 2012 presidential run, said in a statement, continuing, "but today Americans and decent people the world over cheer the news that madman, murderer and terrorist [U]sama Bin Laden is dead."
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a devout member of the Mormon Church who is exploring a 2012 run, said his thoughts were with the thousands of victims and brave servicemen who died pursuing bin Laden.
"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere," Romney said in a statement. "Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president."
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty noted that President George W. Bush promised to bring bin Laden to justice, but warned the fight against "radical Islamic terrorism is not yet over." The Republican presidential aspirant also praised the current commander in chief by name.
Read more: http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/05/02/potential-white-house-...
___________________________________________________________________________________
What Congress is saying on the Death of Bin Laden:
John Boehner:
Harry Reid
__________________________________________________________________________________
President Obama called George W. Bush and Bill Clinton on Sunday before he announced that Osama bin Laden had been killed, a White House official told reporters on a conference call.
Obama called Bush and Clinton to "preview" his statement, said the senior administration official, who refused to be identified on the call.
The official also said that Obama chaired five national security meetings since March to discuss intelligence on Osama bin Laden. Those meetings, the official said, were on March 14, March 19, April 12, April 19 and April 28. Obama authorized the attack on bin Laden on Friday, April 29, the official said.
More here
Former presidents are weighing in on the killing of Osama bin Laden by American forces operating inside Pakistan.
Former President George W. Bush, whose entire presidency was defined by the September 11th attacks, said in a statement tonight that President Obama called him to inform him of the news of bin Laden’s death.
Bush called the operation a “momentous achievement” that “marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.”
“I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude,” the former president said in a statement. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”
the rest of the article here
Transcript of Obama's Statement on Osama Bin Laden:
East Room
11:35 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory -- hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.
We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda -- an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.
Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
END 11:44 P.M. EDT
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead
Here are Video Links from Inside the Compound where Bin Laden was Killed (Please Note these videos are graphic)
Inside the Kill Zone
Inside The Mansion
The administration has NOT released any photos at this point. Any photos circulating are not real.
The administration is looking at releasing photos that will not show our methods or secrets or compromise future plans. They will release something soon.
| Osama bin Laden أسامة بن لادن | |
|---|---|
| March 10, 1957 – May 2, 2011 (aged 54) | |
| |
| Place of birth | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Place of death | Abbottabad, Pakistan |
| Resting place | International waters |
| Allegiance | Al-Qaeda |
| Battles/wars | Soviet war in Afghanistan War on Terror: |
Bin Laden was on the American Federal Bureau of Investigation's lists of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and Most Wanted Terrorists for his involvement in the 1998 US embassy bombings.[4][5][6] Since 2001, bin Laden and his organization had been major targets of the War on Terror.
On May 2, 2011, bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan in an operation conducted by American military forces and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).[2][7]
Wikipedia
The helicopter carrying Navy SEALs malfunctioned as it approached Osama bin Laden’s compound at about 3:30 p.m. ET Sunday, stalling as it hovered. The pilot set it down gently inside the walls, then couldn’t get it going again.
It was a heart-stopping moment for President Barack Obama, who had been monitoring the raid in the White House Situation Room since 1 p.m., surrounded by members of his war cabinet.
“The assault team went ahead and raided the compound, even though they didn’t know if they would have a ride home,” an official said.
The special forces put bombs on the crippled chopper and blew it up, then lifted off in a reinforcement craft just before 4:15 p.m., capping an astounding 40 minutes that gave the United States a tectonic victory in the 10-year war on terror touched off by 9/11.
“The world is safer. It is a better place because of the death of Osama bin Laden,” Obama said at the White House Monday.
It was a heart-stopping moment for President Barack Obama, who had been monitoring the raid in the White House Situation Room since 1 p.m., surrounded by members of his war cabinet.
“Obviously, everyone was thinking about Black Hawk Down and Desert One,” a senior administration official recalled.
The SEALs disembarked.“The assault team went ahead and raided the compound, even though they didn’t know if they would have a ride home,” an official said.
The special forces put bombs on the crippled chopper and blew it up, then lifted off in a reinforcement craft just before 4:15 p.m., capping an astounding 40 minutes that gave the United States a tectonic victory in the 10-year war on terror touched off by 9/11.
“The world is safer. It is a better place because of the death of Osama bin Laden,” Obama said at the White House Monday.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54093.html#ixzz1LDQUfWg4
See Obama's speech transcript below
___________________________________________________________________________________
Osama Bin Laden's body 'identified by sister's brain'
Osama bin Laden's body was identified by US authorities by matching a DNA sample to one taken from his late sister's brain, according to reports.
Osama bin Laden was shot in the head and chest by US Navy seals Photo: Sipa Press/Rex Features
When his sister, who has not been named, died from brain cancer several years ago in Boston the FBI immediately subpoenaed her body so that it could later be used to identify the al-Qaeda leader if he was caught, it was claimed.
The brain was preserved and tissue and blood samples taken from it were used to compile a DNA profile, ABC News reported.
Read the rest of this article herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8488004/Osa...
______________________________________________________________________________
Osama Bin Laden Body Headed for Burial at Sea, Officials Say
May 02, 2011 1:59 AM
Under Islamic tradition, ABC's Zunaira Zaki reports, the body would be washed by Muslim men and buried as soon as possible, usually by the next prayer (Muslims pray five times a day), although there may be delays under certain circumstances (for autopsies, for example). The body is usually buried in a simple white sheet -- whether buried in the ground, or at sea.read more of this article here
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-body-heade...
_____________________________________________________________________________
Potential White House Candidates Praise Obama After UBL’s Death
by Carl Cameron | May 02, 2011
"Welcome to Hell, bin Laden."
That's how former Baptist minister and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee summed up the news that the world's most wanted man is dead.
"It is unusual to celebrate a death," Huckabee, who still hasn't decided on a 2012 presidential run, said in a statement, continuing, "but today Americans and decent people the world over cheer the news that madman, murderer and terrorist [U]sama Bin Laden is dead."
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a devout member of the Mormon Church who is exploring a 2012 run, said his thoughts were with the thousands of victims and brave servicemen who died pursuing bin Laden.
"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere," Romney said in a statement. "Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president."
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty noted that President George W. Bush promised to bring bin Laden to justice, but warned the fight against "radical Islamic terrorism is not yet over." The Republican presidential aspirant also praised the current commander in chief by name.
Read more: http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/05/02/potential-white-house-...
___________________________________________________________________________________
What Congress is saying on the Death of Bin Laden:
John Boehner:
Boehner credits and thanks two presidents for bin Laden's slaying
Harry Reid
Reid: Troop exit timetable stands
More info on what Congress is saying on this News located at TheHill__________________________________________________________________________________
Bush is called before statement
Obama called Bush and Clinton to "preview" his statement, said the senior administration official, who refused to be identified on the call.
The official also said that Obama chaired five national security meetings since March to discuss intelligence on Osama bin Laden. Those meetings, the official said, were on March 14, March 19, April 12, April 19 and April 28. Obama authorized the attack on bin Laden on Friday, April 29, the official said.
More here
Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton Issue Statements on Osama Bin Laden Death
May 01, 2011 11:55 PM
ABC's Karen Travers and Z. Byron Wolf report:Former presidents are weighing in on the killing of Osama bin Laden by American forces operating inside Pakistan.
Former President George W. Bush, whose entire presidency was defined by the September 11th attacks, said in a statement tonight that President Obama called him to inform him of the news of bin Laden’s death.
Bush called the operation a “momentous achievement” that “marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.”
“I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude,” the former president said in a statement. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”
the rest of the article here
Transcript of Obama's Statement on Osama Bin Laden:
East Room
11:35 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory -- hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.
We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda -- an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.
Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
END 11:44 P.M. EDT
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead
Here are Video Links from Inside the Compound where Bin Laden was Killed (Please Note these videos are graphic)
Inside the Kill Zone
Inside The Mansion
CIA Reveals Diagrams And Aerial Photos Of The Bin Laden Compound
The administration has NOT released any photos at this point. Any photos circulating are not real.
The administration is looking at releasing photos that will not show our methods or secrets or compromise future plans. They will release something soon.
