 |
|
|
|
The world’s most wanted terrorist, Saudi-born al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, was killed today resisting arrest in northern Pakistan after US forces raided his compound.
The US received a tip-off about bin Laden’s whereabouts in August, after his massive home—with its tacky 5.5-metre-high, barbed-wire-topped walls—appeared on the Pakistani edition of Renovation Rescue.
Some locals are saying that the building is a “stone’s throw” from the elite Pakistan Military Academy, although a local estate agent also claimed that the top storey had views of Sydney Harbour.
Reports suggest that despite the al-Qaeda leader’s considerable communications needs, the house had no internet connection: bolstering once again the case for the NBN.
The raid began after US troops responded to a domestic dispute between a group of locals and Western civilisation at around 1996. A 54-year-old man died at the scene, sources described him as being of Middle Eastern appearance.
US officials say that they “took possession of the body” by dressing a Predator drone in hijab and introducing it to morgue staff as “Mrs Laden”, and then after an awkward silence as “Mrs bin Laden”.
Bin Laden’s body was then buried at sea, prompting accusations that the sea is harbouring known terrorists.
If it continues to provide a haven for the al-Qaeda leader, the US stands ready to step up its bombing campaign: yesterday US forces dropped over 75 kilos of bin Laden on sea positions.
Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden died, abandoned by his family and disowned by his country. In life, a hate-figure without peer. In death, a timely reminder for Islamic extremists the world over: if Saudi Arabia reckons you’re going overboard, maybe it’s time to tone it down.
Prior to today's operation, US authorities had been working on a strong lead that bin Laden was holed up inside a disused potato sack.
