Bin Laden Dead

George Wenschhof

Osama Bin Laden Killed in U.S. Raid - finally, after close to ten years following the devastating 9/11 terrorists attacks. He was killed in a raid by U.S. special forces on a compound in Pakistan near their capitol of Islamabad. Bin Laden has already been buried at sea, following a Muslim tradition of burial within 24 hours of death. The NY Times has more details here.

More details will likely follow on how Bin Laden was able to live within an hour of Islamabad without detection by U.S. intelligence. Also, expect photos of the body of Bin Laden to be released soon to quiet the rumors.

Howard Fineman has his take on what this means to U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Libya here.

President Obama will surely benefit politically as this action took place under his watch, just as the 2012 presidential election gets underway. Below is his speech to the nation late last night announcing the death of Bin Laden.



TheHill.com has more on the compound that was hiding Bin Laden here.

Reuters is reporting the special forces operation was under orders to kill Bin Laden - you can read more here.

MSNBC is reporting this morning Pakistan was not informed prior to attack - during the mission, two helicopters were forced to land when one experienced mechanical trouble. After the mission was accomplished, the damaged helicopter was destroyed and a third helicopter, along with the other helicopter involved in the raid, left Pakistan en route to Afghanistan. At this point, Pakistan fighters were scrambled to intercept the helicopters. Fortunately, communication averted what could have been a disaster.

ABC News has some video of the compound below.



Talking Points Memo has a slide show here on the reaction in the U.S. on the news Bid Laden is dead.

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