Washington: Osama bin Laden lived for the past five to six years in the compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan where he was killed on Sunday’s night in a US special forces’ raid, President Barack Obama’s counterterrorism adviser said on Tuesday.
“Well I think the latest information is that he was in this compound for the past five or six years and he had virtually no interaction with others outside that compound. But yet he seemed to be very active inside the compound,” White House counterterrorism chief John Brennan said on the CBS Early Show programme.
“And we know that he had released videos and audios. We know that he was in contact with some senior al Qaeda officials,” Brennan added.
“So what we’re trying to do now is to understand what he has been involved in over the past several years, exploit whatever information we were able to get at the compound and take that information and continue our efforts to destroy al Qaeda,” Brennan added.
Brennan also said the United States was considering whether to release photographs and video taken during the raid but has not yet made a decision.
“We want to make sure that we’re able to do it in a thoughtful manner. We also want to anticipate what the reaction might be on the part of al Qaeda or others to the release of certain information so that we can take the appropriate steps beforehand,” Brennan told CNN.
“Any other material, whether it be photos or videos or whatever else — we are looking at it and we’ll make the appropriate decisions,” Brennan said.
Asked about any computers, documents and other material seized at the compound, Brennan said the material was being reviewed by U.S. authorities.
“What we’re most interested in is seeing if we can get any insight into any terrorist plot that might be underway so that we can take the measures to stop any type of attack planning. Secondly, we’re trying to look and see whether or not there are leads to other individuals within the organization or insights into their (al Qaeda) capabilities,” Brennan said.
He said the United States was eager to learn from the material about the circumstances of bin Laden’s residence in Abbottabad.
“I know the Pakistanis are interested in this — how did bin Laden stay at that compound for the past six years or so and be undetected? What type of support did he have outside of that compound — in the Abbottabad area or more broadly within Pakistan?” Brennan said.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription