According to CIA Chief Leon Panetta, the U.S. collected an “impressive amount” of material from Osama bin Laden’s compound, including computers and other electronics, The CIA has set up a task force to act on the fresh intelligence.
On Tuesday, Panetta assembled a group of 15 aides to assess the credibility of the intelligence that was collected at the compound in Abbottabad.
Intelligence leading to Usama bin Laden and the Accomplishment of Geronimo E-KIA
2007 — American intelligence operatives for the first time uncover the name of Osama bin Laden’s trusted courier but cannot locate him. The information is obtained from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) during interrogation at Guantanamo.
2009 — American intelligence operatives identify areas in Pakistan where the courier and his brother have traveled and operated but cannot pinpoint exactly where they live.
AUG 01 2010 — American intelligence operatives locate the brothers’ residence, a compound in Abbottabad. The compound is large, secluded and secured and raises suspicions of analysts that it might shelter a high value target.
SEP 1 2010 — The CIA begins to work with President Obama on assessments that lead them to have confidence that Bin Laden may be located at the compound.
FEB 2011 — United States government authorities pursue an operation regarding the compound aggressively and develop courses of action.
MAR 14-28 2011 — President Barack Obama holds a series of National Security Council meetings to develop options for capturing or killing Bin Laden — considering outcomes of different scenarios.
APR 29 2011 — President Barack Obama authorizes a NAVY SEAL commando operation instead of a bombing run.
MAY 1 2011, 3-3:30 p.m. CDT — United States forces raid Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad around 1 a.m. Pakistan time. Bin Laden and three other men (two suspected to be the couriers) are killed in a firefight. A woman was killed when she was used as a shield by a male combatant.
MAY 1, 2011 10:35 p.m. CDT — Mr. Obama announces Bin Laden’s death on national television. Word of bin Laden’s death leaks out about two hours ahead of the official announcement.
TIME Magazine Swampland CIA Chief Breaks Silence: U.S. Ruled Out Involving Pakistan in bin Laden Raid Early On