Killing of Osama bin Laden

Quick Facts: Who was Killing of Osama bin Laden?

Subject:

Killing of Osama bin Laden

Known for:

Leader of al-Qaeda, killed in a 2011 US military raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Died:

2011-05-02

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

On May 2, 2011, the United States conducted Operation Neptune Spear, in which SEAL Team Six shot and killed Osama bin Laden at his "Waziristan Haveli" in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Bin Laden, who founded al-Qaeda and orchestrated the September 11 attacks, had been the subject of a United States military manhunt since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, but escaped to Pakistan—allegedly with Pakistani support—during or after the Battle of Tora Bora in December 2001. The mission was part of an effort led by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), with the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) coordinating the special mission units involved in the raid. In addition to SEAL Team Six, participating units under JSOC included the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the CIA's Special Activities Division. Approved by American president Barack Obama and involving two dozen Navy SEALs in two Black Hawk helicopters, Operation Neptune Spear was launched from about 120 miles (190 km) away, near the Afghan city of Jalalabad.

Career & Major Achievements

The raid took 40 minutes, and bin Laden was killed shortly before 1:00 a.m. Pakistan Standard Time (20:00 UTC, May 1). Three other men, including one of bin Laden's sons, and a woman in the compound were also killed. One U.S. helicopter crashed during the insertion operation without casualties. After the raid, the operatives returned to Afghanistan with bin Laden's corpse for identification and then flew over 850 miles (1,370 km) to the Arabian Sea, where he was buried for a mix of political, practical, and religious reasons.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Al-Qaeda confirmed bin Laden's death through posts made on militant websites on May 6, and vowed to avenge his killing. Additionally, Pakistani militant organizations, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), vowed retaliation against the United States and against Pakistan for failing to prevent the American raid. The raid, which was supported by over 90% of the American public, was also welcomed by the United Nations, the European Union, and NATO, as well as a large number of international organizations and governments. However, it was condemned by two-thirds of the Pakistani public. Legal and ethical aspects of the killing, such as the failure to capture him alive in spite of him being unarmed, were questioned by Amnesty International.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2001: 2001 Milestone — Bin Laden, who founded al-Qaeda and orchestrated the September 11 attacks, had been the subject of a United States military manhunt since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, but escaped to Pakistan—allegedly with Pakistani support—during or after the Battle of Tora Bora in December 2001.
2. 2011 (2011-05-02): Passing & Historical Legacy — Killing of Osama bin Laden passed away on 2011-05-02, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Killing of Osama bin Laden

True or False: “Osama bin Laden was captured alive by U.S. forces after the September 11 attacks.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He escaped to Pakistan during or after the Battle of Tora Bora in December 2001 and was killed years later.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Killing of Osama bin Laden