Osama Bin Laden was an unarmed elderly 'invalid' when Navy Seals killed him and Barack Obama lied about the mission, report claims
Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh says the story of how the
former al-Qaeda leader died is very different to what the public was
told
A Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist has claimed that
Barack Obama lied about the killing of Osama bin Laden for his own
political advantage, and that the former al-Qaeda leader was in fact an
unarmed “invalid” when he was shot by US Navy Seals in 2011.
President Obama was accused of making up a number of key details that
were fed to the public in the wake of the assassination, including that
Bin Laden died in a fire-fight and that the Pakistani government had no
role to play in the mission.
Seymour Hersh, whose previous investigations have included the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government, cited unnamed intelligence officials as part of what he called his “alternative history of the war on terror”.
Writing in the London Review of Books, Mr Hersh claimed that rather than hiding out in a compound in Abbottabad, Bin Laden was in fact being held prisoner by the Pakistani intelligence services when he was killed.
The article quotes “a retired senior intelligence official who was knowledgeable about the initial intelligence about Bin Laden’s presence in Abbottabad”, who said Pakistan had secretly detained the wanted terrorist for years to use “as leverage against Taliban and al-Qaeda activities”.
In the immediate aftermath of the killing, Obama told the media the mission had been a secret incursion into Pakistan and that a small team of Seals fought a dramatic gun battle with men inside Bin Laden’s compound.
But according to Mr Hersh’s source, senior Pakistani officials willingly gave up Bin Laden’s location to maintain good relations with the US and in exchange for a slice of a $25 million reward fund.
Former US Navy Seal Rob O'Neill has been revealed as the man from Team Six who shot Osama Bin Laden in the 2011 Pakistan raid
They also facilitated the Navy Seals mission by cutting power to the compound and diverting the local military, it was alleged, and had even agreed with the White House upon an elaborate back story where it would be claimed that Bin Laden was killed in a drone strike in mountains on the Pakistan-Afghan border.
The White House has repeatedly insisted that Bin Laden would have been taken alive if he surrendered – but according to the retired official quoted by Hersh, “it was clearly and absolutely a premeditated murder”.
The Seals were given “absolute authority to kill the guy”, the official was quoted as saying, even if they only “suspected he might have some means of opposition, like an explosive vest under his robe”.
Locals and media gather outside the compound, pictured in May 2011, where Osama Bin Laden was reportedly killed in an operation by US Navy Seals
“The truth is that bin Laden was an invalid, but we cannot say that,” the retired official reportedly said.
Mr Hersh also reports that White House claims Bin Laden was still receiving information from and giving orders to al-Qaeda were “lies, misstatements and betrayal”.
“The White House had to give the impression that bin Laden was still operationally important,” he quoted the official as saying. “Otherwise, why kill him?”
The White House is yet to comment on Hersh’s claims.
"I am waiting for the White House to deny it," he said.
Seymour Hersh, whose previous investigations have included the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government, cited unnamed intelligence officials as part of what he called his “alternative history of the war on terror”.
Writing in the London Review of Books, Mr Hersh claimed that rather than hiding out in a compound in Abbottabad, Bin Laden was in fact being held prisoner by the Pakistani intelligence services when he was killed.
The article quotes “a retired senior intelligence official who was knowledgeable about the initial intelligence about Bin Laden’s presence in Abbottabad”, who said Pakistan had secretly detained the wanted terrorist for years to use “as leverage against Taliban and al-Qaeda activities”.
In the immediate aftermath of the killing, Obama told the media the mission had been a secret incursion into Pakistan and that a small team of Seals fought a dramatic gun battle with men inside Bin Laden’s compound.
But according to Mr Hersh’s source, senior Pakistani officials willingly gave up Bin Laden’s location to maintain good relations with the US and in exchange for a slice of a $25 million reward fund.
Former US Navy Seal Rob O'Neill has been revealed as the man from Team Six who shot Osama Bin Laden in the 2011 Pakistan raid
They also facilitated the Navy Seals mission by cutting power to the compound and diverting the local military, it was alleged, and had even agreed with the White House upon an elaborate back story where it would be claimed that Bin Laden was killed in a drone strike in mountains on the Pakistan-Afghan border.
The White House has repeatedly insisted that Bin Laden would have been taken alive if he surrendered – but according to the retired official quoted by Hersh, “it was clearly and absolutely a premeditated murder”.
The Seals were given “absolute authority to kill the guy”, the official was quoted as saying, even if they only “suspected he might have some means of opposition, like an explosive vest under his robe”.
Locals and media gather outside the compound, pictured in May 2011, where Osama Bin Laden was reportedly killed in an operation by US Navy Seals
“The truth is that bin Laden was an invalid, but we cannot say that,” the retired official reportedly said.
Mr Hersh also reports that White House claims Bin Laden was still receiving information from and giving orders to al-Qaeda were “lies, misstatements and betrayal”.
“The White House had to give the impression that bin Laden was still operationally important,” he quoted the official as saying. “Otherwise, why kill him?”
The White House is yet to comment on Hersh’s claims.
"I am waiting for the White House to deny it," he said.
- David Cameron challenged to live on minimum wage and volunteer at food bank to understand impact of Tory welfare cuts
- Ed Miliband hits Ibiza after standing down as Labour Party leader
- Reader dilemma: 'My 10 year-old child made a bad joke on Twitter, and the reaction has left her unable to cope'
- Human Rights Act: What is it and why does Michael Gove want to scrap the policy?
- Nicola Sturgeon on how she plans to counter the detrimental effect of the 'vicious' media scrutiny of her appearance during the general election
- < Previous
- Next >
SPONSORED FEATURES
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.Humble Oman
Storytelling is an integral part of Omani life and TV presenter Kate Humble tells her tale of how she discovered Oman.Be a part of a sexual revolution
Uncovering London's innovations after dark; discover the next generation adult toy that has got people talking.Oliver Proudlock's top style tips
Watch the first video in our new series for tips on new trends and London's style scene.Full of Flavour
Read our mouthwatering guide to Menorca's exquisite cuisine; from fresh lobster to curried aubergines, Menorca's got it all.What a Roman holiday adds to the bottom line
We've teamed up with Hilton Garden Inn to give away a fantastic 3 night trip to RomeWant to boost your 'look' this spring?
Win £125 of glasses with our Specsavers competition, don't miss out, enter now!Europe's forgotten city back in premier league
We've teamed up with Hilton Garden Inn to give away a fantastic 3 night trip to KrakowBarbados; book today and get more out of your holiday
Discover Barbados with this amazing promotion from Brilliant Barbados, giving visitors more than ever before.Discover Tobago for FREE!!
We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a seven night self-catering holiday for two. What are you waiting for? Enter now.Evolving athletic performance with the help of new sports technologies
Advances in technology and engineering are driving elite performance in athletes.Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.Humble Oman
Storytelling is an integral part of Omani life and TV presenter Kate Humble tells her tale of how she discovered Oman.
Ads by Google
- Facebook® Account Sign Up
The World's #1 Online Community. Join for Free & Enjoy the Benefits!
facebook.com - Watch Full Episodes
Turn Your Computer into a TV! Watch Full TV Episodes w Free App
www.televisionfanatic.com - Watch TV Clips Free
Turn Your Computer into a TV! Watch Unlimited Free Videos Today
www.videoscavenger.com - Download For Free Movies
Get Showtimes & Watch Movies Free Download For Access to Free Movies!
www.filmfanatic.com
Independent Dating
Ashdown Group: Mandarin Speaking Marketing Specialist - London - £35,000
£20000 - £35000 per annum:
Ashdown Group:
A luxury fashion retailer is looking...
Ashdown Group: Web Analyst / Digital Analyst - Berkhamsted - £40K + 5% bonus
£30000 - £40000 per annum + 5% Bonus & 25 Days Holidays:
Ashdown Group:
Web An...
Ashdown Group: Marketing Executive - Kent - 12 month FTC PT/FT
£28000 - £32000 per annum + flexible working and benefits:
Ashdown Group:
Mark...
Ashdown Group: Graduate UI Developer - HTML, CSS, Javascript
£25000 - £30000 per annum:
Ashdown Group:
Graduate UI Application Developer - ...
No comments:
Post a Comment