How Os*ma Was Found

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Nitish Rajput
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Video Transcript:
Os*ma handed over his wife to the Navy Seal, and the Navy Seal. . .
When that hard drive was checked, it was found that Os*ma use to watch adult content. It was a plan to collect Osama's children's DNA under the pretext of a vaccine, so as soon as they reached the gate and rang the bell. .
. Os*ma emerged from the bag and crossed into Pakistan's borders on horseback. My country is at war, and I decided to come here to see for myself.
Using the reflection of a mirror, Os*ma encoded messages on the mountains and began transmitting them from one peak to another. An infrared camera from the compound detected his body heat and captured thermal images. Os*ma's DNA scattered across both helicopters as they flew below Pakistani radar, while hidden listening devices were placed in the trees around the compound.
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Now, let's get back to the topic. On September 11, 2001, as the world’s most significant attack on the US unfolded, Os*ma bin Laden, the mastermind behind it, sat in Khost, a mountainous region in eastern Afghanistan, surrounded by his bodyguards, closely monitoring every detail of the attack through the BBC Arabic service. The same day, US intelligence agencies—CIA, FBI, and NSA—immediately launched an investigation into the attack.
Their first course of action was to analyze the passports and visa records of all passengers aboard the hijacked planes. Through this process, they meticulously uncovered even the smallest details and identified 19 individuals who were suspected to be the hijackers. By this point, the attack had already occurred, and all passengers had perished.
The US intelligence agencies were determined to uncover every possible detail. Within hours, they retrieved surveillance footage from the airports where the flights had originated and began scrutinizing the activities of each individual. During this process, they received a crucial lead—one of the hijackers, Mohammed Atta, had accidentally left his bag at Boston Logan Airport due to a delay in his connecting flight.
Without wasting time, the CIA quickly located and opened the bag. Fortunately, their search required minimal effort as the bag contained precisely what they were looking for: Al-Qaeda's instructions, training manuals, planning documents, and even Mohammed Atta’s will. This confirmed that Al-Qaeda and Os*ma bin Laden were behind the attack.
However, the investigation didn’t stop there. Intelligence agencies began tracking the old calls, emails, and bank transactions of the 19 hijackers from the moment they arrived in the US. Their findings provided official confirmation that the attack was funded by Al-Qaeda, with money transferred via a Dubai-based account.
Additionally, evidence showed that the hijackers had been trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan, leaving no doubt that Al-Qaeda was responsible. Al-Qaeda was not a new name for the US. In August 2001, just a month before the attack, the CIA had already issued a warning that Al-Qaeda was planning something significant.
The organization had previously attacked US embassies multiple times, and for years, the US had been demanding that Afghanistan hand over Os*ma bin Laden. The US had long been aware of Al-Qaeda’s network and Os*ma’s details. Following the attack, the entire country was outraged.
On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress, demanding that Afghanistan hand over Os*ma bin Laden unconditionally and immediately shut down Al-Qaeda’s training camps. He warned that failure to comply would lead to US military action.
At this point, one might wonder why Afghanistan, a country already struggling, would refuse to cooperate with a superpower like the US. However, the situation was complex. Since 1992, Afghanistan had been embroiled in a civil war.
The Taliban controlled 90% of the country, while the remaining 10% was under the Northern Alliance. Os*ma bin Laden had played a crucial role in supporting the Taliban, providing funding and training for its fighters. Moreover, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda shared ideological beliefs, making it difficult for the Taliban to betray Os*ma.
On September 21, 2001, the Taliban responded to the US’s demands, stating that they required proof of Os*ma’s involvement. They also insisted that Os*ma was their guest and that handing him over would violate their principles and hospitality. The US refused to accept these justifications.
When the Taliban refused to comply, the US launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan within two weeks. In this operation, the US, alongside the Northern Alliance—Afghanistan’s opposition to the Taliban—began targeting Taliban strongholds and intensifying their search for Os*ma. One by one, top Taliban leaders were eliminated, and the US, with assistance from the Northern Alliance, gained significant ground.
The Taliban was losing control, and Os*ma’s situation became increasingly precarious. With limited options, Os*ma, accompanied by his bodyguards, fled to the Tora Bora mountains, located near the Pakistan border. He and his fighters avoided electronic communication, relying instead on unsecured radio transmissions only when absolutely necessary.
This strategy rendered the US’s advanced technology ineffective in tracking him. After several days of searching, US intelligence gathered three key pieces of evidence pointing to Os*ma’s presence in Tora Bora. Second, a specialized US team intercepted an unsecured radio transmission mentioning Tora Bora.
Finally, a separate intelligence unit studying Al-Qaeda’s communications observed coded signals being exchanged via mirror reflections on the mountains, further confirming the location. One day, Os*ma made a crucial mistake—he spoke on an unsecured radio transmission, and his voice was intercepted. A specialist named Zalal, who had been studying Os*ma’s voice for seven years, immediately identified his speech pattern and Arabic dialect, confirming his identity.
With all the intelligence gathered, the data was sent to CIA headquarters in Virginia, where analysts converted it into an electronic battlefield map. This map provided a comprehensive overview of Os*ma’s likely whereabouts. A secret US Delta Force team, led by Major Dalton Fury, along with 70 soldiers, a CIA team, and Northern Alliance forces, set out to capture Os*ma.
Upon reaching Tora Bora, the US military launched relentless attacks from December 3 to December 7, 2001, dropping 700,000 pounds of bombs. The bombings were so intense that they caused earthquakes in the mountains. However, they still couldn't pinpoint Os*ma’s exact location.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Os*ma understood that he was trapped and that the US forces would not retreat. To buy time, Os*ma initiated negotiations through unsecured radio transmissions with the Northern Alliance in Tora Bora, stating that he was willing to surrender but only if the bombings ceased. He demanded a ceasefire before he and his men could surrender.
The CIA remained skeptical about Os*ma’s true intentions. They continued monitoring his radio communications, fully aware that he was attempting to manipulate the situation to confirm that they were genuinely going to surrender, the CIA team sought further assurance. Then, on December 11, CIA officers arrived at Os*ma’s residence and asked the Northern Alliance to negotiate with him and finalize the deal.
However, the next day, December 12, when Os*ma was supposed to surrender, he instead used the prolonged bombings to his advantage. During this time, he prepared his escape route and fled towards Pakistan with his bodyguards, using horses and rickshaws. After this, Os*ma’s family also vanished without a trace, and no one knew where they had gone.
This was a significant opportunity for Os*ma to slip away from the grasp of the United States. He successfully evaded capture, but on December 19, 2001, a CIA Afghan informant named Mukhtar learned that Os*ma’s family had reached Pakistan. Based on this information, it was assumed that if his family had arrived in Pakistan, Os*ma must be there as well.
The United States, in collaboration with Pakistan, began searching for Os*ma in Pakistan. In reality, Os*ma had made his way to Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), a semi-autonomous region before 2018. This area operated under a tribal governance system rather than Pakistan’s mainstream legal framework.
It was also a stronghold for groups such as the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LEJ), making it an ideal hideout for Os*ma. Upon reaching this region, he completely changed his strategy. He severed all connections with the outside world, even cutting off communication with Al-Qaeda members and his own guards.
No one knew where Os*ma and his family were hiding. To manage his security, logistics, and daily needs, he relied on Ibrahim al-Kuwaiti, a trusted member of Al-Qaeda. Os*ma maintained communication by writing letters to Al-Qaeda, avoiding any electronic means such as radio, satellite phones, or the internet.
He signed these letters with the codename "Azmarai," while Ibrahim acted as his courier, discreetly delivering messages to different Al-Qaeda networks, which then coordinated the group's activities. To ensure complete secrecy, they employed a unique communication method. Ibrahim would log into an email account, draft a message, and leave it there without sending it.
Other Al-Qaeda members, who shared the same password, would log in, read the draft, and delete it after taking note of the instructions. This system ensured that no electronic transmissions could be intercepted. As time passed and Os*ma's needs grew, Ibrahim sought permission from Al-Qaeda to bring in his brother, Abraar al-Kuwaiti, as an additional courier.
Now, both Ibrahim and Abraar handled Os*ma’s communication and logistics. Since two unmarried men living alone in the area could raise suspicion, they decided to blend in by getting married. They each wed 14-year-old girls, Bushra and Maryam, so they could present themselves as a normal Pashto family.
Meanwhile, Os*ma remained in hiding while U. S. intelligence agencies relentlessly searched for him.
The U. S. had placed enormous bounties on Os*ma’s capture, offering rewards even for the smallest details.
Posters and matchboxes in the region advertised a $5 million reward for any credible information about his whereabouts. The CIA also collaborated with private mobile companies such as AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon through a secret agreement. This allowed them to embed tracking chips in mobile phones and computers sold in FATA, hoping to trace Al-Qaeda operatives when they made purchases.
However, these efforts failed since Os*ma had entirely abandoned electronic communications. As the years passed, the CIA faced immense pressure and frustration over their inability to locate him. Realizing that they needed an inside source, the CIA attempted to plant an agent within Al-Qaeda.
They identified Humaam al-Balawi, also known as Abu Dujana, a doctor with prior links to Al-Qaeda. He had been captured by the CIA, who then coerced him into becoming a double agent. They promised him freedom in exchange for infiltrating Al-Qaeda and gathering intelligence on Os*ma.
Balawi agreed, underwent brief training, and the CIA spread false news that he had escaped their custody. His mission was to gain Al-Qaeda’s trust and eventually lead the CIA to Os*ma. Balawi executed the plan flawlessly, winning the trust of Al-Qaeda by providing small but valuable pieces of information.
Over time, he convinced them that he was a dedicated supporter. He was soon assigned to treat Al-Qaeda’s mastermind, Ayman al-Zawahiri, which further solidified his credibility. After months of deception, Balawi sent a message to the CIA through a secure network, claiming he had critical information that could help them capture Os*ma.
However, he insisted that he could not reveal all the details over the phone and needed to meet them in person. Excited by this breakthrough, the CIA arranged a secret meeting with Balawi at their base in Khost, Afghanistan. They were so confident in his intelligence that they even planned a surprise birthday celebration for him, believing they were about to receive Os*ma’s exact location.
The CIA's top leadership gathered at the camp, eagerly awaiting his arrival. As Balawi approached, the security checks at the first checkpoint were waived on the CIA’s orders, and at the second checkpoint, he was allowed to proceed without inspection. Once inside the compound, he met with the CIA officers, who moved closer to hear his report.
At that moment, Balawi detonated a suicide bomb, killing seven CIA officers and a total of sixteen people. This was one of the deadliest attacks in CIA history. It was later revealed that Balawi had never been a double agent; instead, he had meticulously planned the attack with Al-Qaeda.
The explosion not only devastated the CIA’s leadership but also significantly disrupted their efforts to locate Os*ma. As a result, the search for him slowed down for a while. Meanwhile, Os*ma’s health was deteriorating, prompting Al-Qaeda leaders to seek a safer hiding place for him.
At the same time, in Abbottabad, Pakistan, near the Pakistan Military Academy, a "For Sale" sign appeared on a vacant plot. Al-Qaeda operatives saw an opportunity, believing that living in a military cantonment area would make Os*ma's presence less suspicious. Abraar was sent with $50,000 in cash and a fake identity to purchase the 38,000-square-foot plot.
They then hired a local architect, Mohammed Yunis, to design and construct a fortified house. Within a year, the house was completed, and in 2006, Os*ma, Ibrahim, Abraar, and their families moved in. The compound served as both a hideout and a communication hub for Al-Qaeda.
While Abraar and Ibrahim handled logistics and courier tasks, their wives managed household duties. Os*ma remained hidden inside, isolated from the outside world. For the next five years, the U.
S. had no clue about his whereabouts. Then came August 27, 2010—a day that would change everything.
The CIA had been tirelessly searching for Os*ma, unaware that they were about to get their first real lead. That day, Ibrahim al-Kuwaiti needed to make a trip to Peshawar. The CIA had placed the entire city's communication network under surveillance.
Normally, Ibrahim was careful, but on this occasion, he made a critical mistake. Standing in a public area, he briefly used his personal phone to call an Al-Qaeda member. That brief phone call was enough.
The CIA immediately tracked Ibrahim’s live location and followed the signal to its origin. Instead of arresting him immediately, they decided to tail him and uncover his movements. Ibrahim, unaware that he was being followed, got into his white Suzuki Potohar jeep, which had a distinctive rhino emblem on its rear tire, and started driving.
CIA agents discreetly trailed him. After some time, Ibrahim drove towards Bilal Town in Abbottabad. He eventually pulled into a large compound and disappeared inside.
The CIA team outside observed the compound and began assessing their next move. Rather than storming in, they decided to surveil the area and gather intelligence on who else might be inside. As they studied the compound, they found it highly unusual.
It was an expansive 38,000-square-foot property with only one entry point. The perimeter walls were 18 feet high, topped with barbed wire. Even more suspiciously, the house had no windows facing the street, and the balconies were surrounded by seven-foot-high walls—an uncommon feature in residential homes.
These details raised suspicions that someone highly important was being protected inside. At first, the CIA doubted that Os*ma could be there, as the compound was near a Pakistani military academy. It seemed too risky for him to hide in such a high-security area.
However, upon further observation, they noticed that the residents of the compound showed no interest in their neighbors and avoided any modern technology. Unlike surrounding homes, this one had no landline phone, internet, or electronic devices. The CIA's curiosity deepened.
There was no surveillance camera in this area. The agents indirectly tried to gather information from the people around them and learned that the residents of the compound were extremely wealthy. Once, while playing cricket, some kids lost their ball inside the compound.
Instead of returning it, the residents gave them money worth ten times the value of the ball. Taking all these details into account, the CIA agents compiled their findings. At that time, their director, Leon Panetta, wrote an email titled "Closing in on Os*ma Bin Laden's Courier.
" In this email, he stated that the compound was unusual and suggested that Os*ma himself could be residing there. Upon receiving the email, Leon Panetta immediately prepared a presentation and went straight to President Barack Obama. He explained that the team had identified a suspicious compound in Pakistan, which could possibly house Os*ma.
However, to confirm this, the entire compound would have to be investigated without informing Pakistan. Obama authorized the operation, stating that even though the compound was in Pakistan, they should proceed without notifying the Pakistani authorities. With the White House's approval, the investigation into the compound began in early September 2010.
The team compiled a comprehensive document called "Anatomy of a Lead," in which they meticulously recorded every detail related to the compound, no matter how minor. While tracking the compound, they discovered that the women living there used a phone to communicate but falsely claimed to be in Kuwait when, in reality, they were in the compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. For several days, these activities were observed from a distance.
By November 2010, the CIA team in the U. S. approached Obama, stating that there was a strong likelihood that Os*ma was present in the compound and that decisive action should be taken.
When Obama asked for a probability estimate, John Brennan assessed it at 90%, the team collectively estimated 80%, and CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell gave a more conservative estimate of 60%. Obama acknowledged their findings but emphasized the need for further verification, considering the diplomatic consequences if their assumption was incorrect. He cautioned that they could not afford a mistake that would damage their reputation and worsen relations with Pakistan.
The CIA analysts understood that they needed to gather more concrete proof before taking action. Believing that Os*ma was in the compound but lacking definitive proof, the CIA decided to set up an observation post near the Abbottabad compound. They also needed a trustworthy local contact to gather intelligence more effectively.
The CIA had good past relations with a retired Pakistani Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Iqbal. Seeking his assistance, they briefed him about the compound and requested his covert support. Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Iqbal had a friend, Dr Aamir Aziz, whose house was just 80 yards away from the compound.
From his rooftop, several parts of the compound were visible. The CIA team decided to send Saeed Iqbal to Aamir's house. During his visit, he engaged in casual conversation and then requested to see Aamir’s dogs, which were kept on the rooftop.
While pretending to interact with the dogs, he discreetly took multiple photos of the compound and handed them over to the CIA. These photos played a crucial role in piecing together the compound's layout. The CIA assigned a team, led by Geena Bennett, to analyze these images and construct a detailed layout of the compound.
In the same week, they rented an office just a mile away from the site and transformed it into a CIA operations center. All meetings regarding the compound took place in this office. To avoid drawing suspicion, CIA analysts conducted surveillance using a Lexus Coach car, which blended into the surroundings.
They continuously monitored the compound without interruption. To track movements inside the compound, the team used infrared and night vision cameras, allowing them to capture thermal images and track activity. They gathered extensive intelligence, determining the residents' meal times, sleep schedules, and outdoor movements.
Poplar trees surrounding the compound were equipped with listening devices to capture conversations inside. By December 2010, they had compiled a detailed profile of the residents, concluding that around 20-22 people lived there, including Os*ma, his three wives, children, and the families of his trusted aides, Iqbal and Abraar. One significant observation was that handwritten messages were frequently sent from the compound.
Ibrahim, acting as a courier, delivered these messages throughout the Al-Qaeda network, relaying orders and plans. The CIA team believed that such a communication method could only be employed by Os*ma himself, but they still lacked direct proof. They needed undeniable evidence to justify an operation.
In late December, the monitoring team noticed an intriguing pattern: every day, a tall man would briefly step onto the balcony of the upper floor, pace back and forth, and then go inside. The balcony had shades to obscure his face, but his shadow was visible on the compound's outer walls. Given that Os*ma bin Laden was 6'4", the CIA used the shadow’s ratio against the wall to estimate the figure’s height.
The calculations indicated a height range between 5'5" and 6'8", making it inconclusive. However, the CIA determined that this man was the compound's leader, as he never assisted with household chores, unlike the other men. They speculated that he could indeed be Os*ma and that he resided on the top floor.
To obtain definitive proof, the CIA considered extracting DNA from the compound’s sewage. Since Os*ma's father had 22 wives and 56 children, the CIA already had samples of his family's DNA. However, after extensive discussions, they realized that any attempt to access the sewage system would likely raise suspicion.
Given that this was the first real opportunity to capture Os*ma in a decade, they decided not to risk exposure and abandoned the plan. Instead, the CIA devised a new strategy involving Dr Shakeel Afridi, a local doctor. One of the CIA's secret operatives, Kate, approached him under the pretense of running an NGO called "Save the Child," which aimed to provide medical aid to impoverished children.
She proposed a Hepatitis B vaccination program in Abbottabad, arguing that many poor children in the area lacked access to vaccines. In reality, the plan was to enter the compound, administer vaccines to the children, and extract their DNA to confirm Os*ma’s presence. Initially, Dr Afridi showed little interest.
However, after being introduced to Kate’s colleague, Sue, he received a $55,000 transfer into his personal account. Motivated by the money, Afridi quickly recruited nurses and healthcare workers from Ayub Medical College and launched the vaccination drive across several towns, including Bilal Town, where the compound was located. Posters advertising high-quality Amson vaccines were placed everywhere.
Finally, Afridi and his team arrived at the compound and rang the doorbell. Ibrahim answered and immediately turned them away, preventing them from administering the vaccine. Despite multiple attempts, the CIA was unable to obtain DNA samples, and their plan failed.
Unbeknownst to Afridi, his actions would later be discovered by Pakistani authorities, leading to his arrest and a 33-year prison sentence for betraying Pakistan. With this plan thwarted, the CIA continued seeking alternative methods to confirm Os*ma’s presence. Meanwhile, within the compound, another story was unfolding.
For years, Ibrahim and Abraar had been hiding in the compound, following daily routines, and growing weary of their isolated existence. Their deteriorating health added to their struggles— Ibrahim had developed cancer and had become frail, while Abraar was taking medication for depression. A few days after the failed vaccination attempt, Ibrahim and Abraar approached Os*ma and confessed that they were exhausted from being on the run.
They expressed their desire to leave the compound. Understanding their plight, Os*ma asked them to wait until September 11, 2011—the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks—before relocating. He assured them that afterward, they could buy a retirement home in Jeddah, and he would also leave, selling the compound.
This meant that Os*ma had only a few months left in the compound. If the CIA had delayed any further, they might have missed their opportunity to capture him after a decade-long hunt. The CIA also realized that if they waited too long, Os*ma might leave the compound.
Using all available details, satellite images, and advanced technologies, CIA analyst Geena Bennett meticulously prepared the layout of the entire compound. Every detail was documented, including the location of the stairs, the number of steps, the position of the car, and the height of the walls from every angle. This document was named "Sensitive Site Exploitation" (SSE).
It contained profiles of everyone living in the compound, including Os*ma, Ibrahim, and Abraher, with each member assigned an individual identification card. The original copy of this document included details such as which floor Os*ma resided on, his height, and other crucial information. After completing this document, Geena was fully convinced that Os*ma was inside the compound.
The rest of the team also strongly advocated for immediate action, fearing that after a decade of pursuit, Os*ma might once again evade capture. The following day, CIA's top analysts—Leon Panetta, Admiral McRaven, Mike Mullen, James Cartwright, and Pentagon's counter-terrorism advisor Michael Vickers—gathered in the White House Situation Room for a meeting with President Obama. Prior to this meeting, with assistance from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, they had constructed a detailed model of the entire compound, replicating every floor and structure exactly as it appeared in reality.
During this meeting, after thoroughly analyzing all the intelligence, the team unanimously agreed that it was time to take action, and Obama approved the operation. The team presented Obama with the first option: a full-scale aerial strike on the compound using B-2 bombers. Given the size of the compound, the strike would require 24 bombs, ensuring complete destruction while eliminating any risk to U.
S. commandos. However, they also outlined the serious drawbacks of this approach.
The strike would cause massive destruction in the surrounding area, potentially resulting in civilian casualties. It could even trigger a minor earthquake nearby. Moreover, if Os*ma's body was incinerated in the blast, DNA evidence confirming his presence could be lost.
The most significant concern was the global diplomatic fallout—relations with Pakistan would be severely damaged, and defending such an attack on foreign soil would be nearly impossible. If even a single civilian were accidentally killed, the repercussions would be enormous. The second option was a precise drone strike, but this, too, came with major risks.
There was a significant chance that Os*ma could escape, an outcome the U. S. could not afford after a decade-long hunt.
Another proposal was a joint operation with Pakistan, but Obama firmly rejected this idea, insisting that under no circumstances should Pakistan be informed of the mission. After weighing all possibilities, Admiral McRaven proposed what he believed to be the best course of action: a direct assault by an elite special forces team. Without informing Pakistan, Navy SEALs would infiltrate the compound, confirm Os*ma’s identity in person, eliminate him, and leave without drawing attention.
This plan had the advantage of maintaining secrecy; if Os*ma was not in the compound, the operation could be easily downplayed or denied. However, the downside was the extreme risk—every officer involved would be putting their life on the line. After careful consideration, Obama made his decision.
He authorized what would become one of the most dangerous military operations in history. The plan was for a Navy SEAL team to infiltrate Pakistani airspace undetected, enter the compound, and eliminate Os*ma in a direct engagement. The operation was officially given the name "Operation Neptune Spear.
" The name was chosen because the Navy SEALs were responsible for carrying out the mission, with "Neptune" symbolizing their maritime heritage and "Spear" representing a precise and lethal strike. With the decision made, there was no time to waste—Os*ma could flee at any moment. Admiral McRaven assured Obama that all necessary preparations would be completed within three weeks.
From the very next day, preparations began at full speed. The best officers in the U. S.
military were needed for this mission. After multiple discussions, the Red Squadron of Navy SEAL Team 6 was selected for the operation. One of the most critical aspects of the plan was ensuring that the helicopters could evade detection by Pakistani radar.
For this, the U. S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, renowned for their expertise in covert aerial operations, was chosen to provide the pilots.
In total, 24 elite officers, each with an outstanding service record, were handpicked for the mission. Interestingly, even the selected officers were not initially told the true objective of the operation. They were simply informed that they would be conducting a mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan and needed to prepare accordingly.
On April 10, 2011, these officers were taken to a classified location, where they were presented with a model of the target site—the Abbottabad compound. To ensure flawless execution, an exact replica of the compound was built for training purposes. The team rigorously rehearsed their movements within this replica, perfecting every aspect of their approach.
During these preparations, the team also integrated a Belgian Malinois dog named Cairo, specifically trained for military operations. Cairo practiced jumping from helicopters daily to become accustomed to aerial insertions. A Pashto translator was also assigned to the team to facilitate communication during the operation when questioning individuals inside the compound.
Over the next five days, the team rehearsed every scenario—clearing each floor, flying and landing at low altitudes, and executing high-precision maneuvers. On April 18, 2011, the team was relocated to a secret training facility in Nevada, where they continued practicing in an environment that closely matched the temperature and elevation of Abbottabad. While the SEAL team trained, additional teams were formed to prepare for different contingencies.
One team, comprising lawyers and interpreters, was designated for the scenario in which Os*ma surrendered, as capturing him alive would require adherence to strict legal protocols. This team trained aboard the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, where Os*ma would be taken for interrogation if captured. Another team, led by Rhodes and George Little, was responsible for crafting official statements for the media, covering all possible outcomes—including Os*ma’s de*th, his capture, or mission failure.
Every scenario was carefully considered to ensure that the U. S. could control the narrative.
Meanwhile, intelligence officials Mark Kelton and Ambassador Cameron devised two potential escape routes in case the mission went awry. One route led through the Indian border, while the other directed forces toward Karachi, where the USS Carl Vinson was stationed as a fallback option. With all these preparations in place, the final execution plan was established.
The entire team would first train in the U. S. , then move to Jalalabad Air Base in Afghanistan, where they would await the final go-ahead.
A fleet of five helicopters—two UH-60 Black Hawk stealth helicopters and three Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters—was assembled for the mission. When they received the go-ahead, the helicopters would fly into Pakistani airspace at a low altitude, evading radar detection as they made their way to the target location. These helicopters were specially modified, designed with reduced heat signatures and significantly lower noise levels, making them extremely difficult to detect.
In the Jalalabad airspace, where five helicopters were stationed, one CH-47 Chinook helicopter remained at the airbase as a backup fuel source if needed. Two other CH-47 Chinook helicopters were positioned in the mountainous regions of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically in Kala Dhaka and Swat, approximately 50 miles from Os*ma’s compound. These helicopters carried a quick reaction team, ready to intervene in case of heavy retaliation from within the compound.
The primary task of the two UH-60 Black Hawk stealth helicopters was to infiltrate the compound and execute the operation. Meanwhile, an RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone hovered above the compound, providing real-time surveillance of the mission. According to the plan, on April 26, the entire team first arrived at Afghanistan's Bagram Airfield, where they rested for a day.
The following day, April 27, they proceeded to the Jalalabad Air Base, awaiting final orders for the operation. On April 28, President Obama convened a meeting to review the mission and sign off on the final approval. Initially, the mission was scheduled for April 30, 2011, but worsening weather conditions and increased fog forced a rescheduling to May 1, 2011.
With just one day left until the historic operation, everything was in place. May 1, 2011, marked the day of one of the most dangerous and high-stakes military missions ever conducted. Due to the time zone difference between the U.
S. and Afghanistan, the operation was set to begin at 1:22 PM Eastern Time in the U. S.
, which corresponded to 11:00 PM in Afghanistan. At that precise moment, CIA Director Leon Panetta and Admiral McRaven initiated the operation. Meanwhile, President Obama, maintaining his usual schedule to avoid suspicion, played a round of golf before taking his seat in the White House Situation Room, where he would oversee the unfolding mission.
It was 11:30 PM in Afghanistan and Os*ma and his family went to sleep on the upper floor, having no idea what will happen to them in next few hours. As per the plan, the team waiting on Jailalbad airbase, one of the five helicopters, the CH-47 Chinook, stops at the Jalalabad Air Base in Afghanistan. The other four helicopters—two Chinooks and two Blackhawks—begin their flight toward Swat Valley, entering Pakistan’s airspace within 15 minutes.
Upon entry, they maintain a very low altitude, making them undetectable by Pakistan’s radar. These four helicopters reach Swat Valley around noon, where two of the Chinooks, carrying a quick reaction team, land in the mountains and wait. Commander Admiral William McRaven, stationed in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, continuously updates the White House Situation Room.
Officers and drones are equipped with cameras, providing live footage to Obama and his team. This is the well-known image where Obama can be seen wearing a golf shirt. At night, the two Blackhawks from Swat Valley initiate their operation at Os*ma’s compound.
By 12:30 AM, they reach their destination. The compound layout is as follows: this is the main gate, this area is where they used to burn garbage, and this side is where they grew vegetables. Before entering the main compound, there is a room where Ibrahim and his family were sleeping.
On the ground floor, Abrar and his family resided. Os*ma’s son, Khalid, occupied the first floor, while Os*ma himself slept on the upper floor with his wife and children. On the Blackhawk helicopter, 12 Navy SEAL commanders formed Team Chalk-1.
Another 12 Navy SEALs, accompanied by a dog and a translator, made up Team Chalk-2. The Chalk-2 helicopter remained airborne. A Navy SEAL officer disembarked with the dog to guard the main gate, ensuring that anyone attempting to escape could be intercepted.
Three more Navy SEAL officers deployed onto the road, standing by while the remaining officers jumped over the side wall and advanced toward Os*ma’s main compound. Upon arrival, they cut the compound’s power, rendering the residents unable to see anything. However, the Navy SEAL officers, equipped with night vision goggles, could see clearly.
As the second helicopter attempted to land, it got caught in its own downward airflow, triggering an aerodynamic phenomenon known as "Settling with Power. " This caused the helicopter to lose stability. The training compound had a small wall with chain-link fencing, whereas the actual compound had tall concrete walls.
The helicopter’s blades struck the compound, making it unstable. However, the pilot managed to stabilize it and landed it on its nose, allowing the SEALs to disembark safely. The tail, however, got stuck outside the wall and broke.
This is the actual image. The original plan was for both helicopters to drop the 24 Navy SEAL officers and then retreat to a nearby secret location, where they would wait. Once the operation was complete, the helicopters would return, retrieve the SEALs, and depart undetected.
However, due to the crash, the plan had to change. The second helicopter remained on site, and the crash meant the mission could no longer be kept secret. By morning, locals would see the wreckage and understand what had transpired.
As a result, the drone continued monitoring the compound while snipers took positions around it. Shortly after, all of Abbottabad’s electricity was cut—part of the CIA’s plan to reduce visibility and prevent suspicion. Despite this, a local man named Shoaib Atar, working on his computer, tweeted from his account, "Helicopter hovering over Abbottabad region at 1 AM.
A rare event. "The SEAL team entered from one side, breaching the gate with a C4 explosive. They moved toward a room where Ibrahim and his family were sleeping.
Ibrahim had locked the room from the inside. As SEAL officer Matthew approached, Ibrahim fired from within. The SEALs returned fire, killing Ibrahim.
His wife, fearing for the children’s safety, opened the door and exited. The children were hiding behind bags. Matthew’s team secured the children and then proceeded toward the main compound, breaching the second gate with another C4 explosive.
Meanwhile, O’Neill’s team, along with the translator, was already advancing toward the main compound. The Blackhawk helicopter hovered overhead. Os*ma’s biggest disadvantage was that his upper-floor room had no windows, preventing him from seeing what was happening below.
The Navy SEALs reached the ground floor, where they found Abrar, his wife, and their three children. The translator called out to Abrar in his language. The moment Abrar was spotted, the SEALs shot him.
His wife was also hit. The remaining women and children were gathered in one place. The SEAL team then moved to the first floor, where Os*ma’s son Khalid was.
Khalid fired an AK-47, but the SEALs eliminated him as well. At this point, the team was still searching for Os*ma. O’Neill’s team reached the upper floor, where they spotted a tall figure through their night vision goggles—Os*ma bin Laden.
Os*ma’s wife, Amal, stood in front of him in an attempt to protect him. Os*ma then pushed Amal toward the SEALs, momentarily making them retreat, fearing she might be wearing a suicide vest. When it became clear she wasn’t, they shot her in the knee.
At 1:10 AM, two bullets were fired at Os*ma’s forehead, near his left eye—killing him. Even then, the SEAL team needed confirmation that the man they had killed was indeed Os*ma. Navy SEAL officer Bissonette lifted a bedsheet, wiped Os*ma’s face, took a photograph, and sent it for verification.
For the next 15 minutes, the team worked on confirming his identity. They even attempted to measure his height but had forgotten a measuring tape. To verify further, the translator questioned Os*ma’s daughters, Sumaiya and Maryam.
Maryam lied, saying, "He is Abdullah bin Muhammad," while Sumaiya told the truth—confirming that he was her father. For double confirmation, they asked Os*ma’s 11-year-old daughter, Safiya, and his second wife, Khairiah. With their confirmations, the SEALs were certain that they had killed Os*ma.
Following this, they used a satellite phone to report to Afghanistan, saying, "Geronimo EKIA. " "Geronimo" was Os*ma’s codename in the CIA team, and "EKIA" stood for "Enemy Killed in Action. " The same confirmation was relayed to the White House.
The CH-47 Chinook backup helicopter was then sent to the compound. All the women and children were gathered in the vegetable garden area. The SEALs collected hard drives, cell phones, documents, cameras, and DVDs.
Before leaving, they destroyed the crashed helicopter, leaving only the tail. As it exploded, Shoaib Atar, the same man who had tweeted earlier, tweeted about the blast as well. At 2:26 AM, the two helicopters took different routes out of Pakistan to avoid tracking.
Os*ma’s body samples were distributed between both helicopters in case of an attack or crash, ensuring that at least one sample would survive. The entire operation lasted 40 minutes. Afterward, the SEALs transported Os*ma’s body to Jalalabad, Afghanistan, where a DNA test was conducted, matching his DNA with a family member’s.
His body was examined, and they found 500 euros in his clothing. Once his identity was confirmed, at 11:35 PM, Obama addressed the world, announcing that the United States had conducted an operation in Pakistan and had killed Os*ma bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda. This speech had been pre-written.
Later, Os*ma’s body was transported via V-22 aircraft and buried in the Arabian Sea following Islamic rituals. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, at 3:45 AM, the army had reached the compound. Os*ma’s wife and children were transported to the hospital in a covered bus.
During interrogation, Os*ma’s wife and children revealed details about that night and how they had been living there for the past five years. When the CIA published the documents found in Os*ma’s room, they discovered that he had ordered a documentary about himself. His collection also included adult content, children’s games, and journals detailing Al-Qaeda’s future plans and strategies.
Thus, Os*ma was finally captured. When the operation concluded, the SEAL team had successfully completed their mission, but they had forgotten to bring a measuring tape. Ironically, Os*ma himself ended up providing one.
And with that, the United States successfully captured the world’s most wanted man after a decade-long hunt. For my viewers, I have launched an exclusive show on the Seekho app, where I will be sharing insights to help you become a successful YouTuber. Tonight at 9 PM, a new episode on how to identify and refine your channel's niche will be live.
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