History of Osama bin Laden in Timeline
Osama bin Laden, the founder and leader of al-Qaeda, was a Saudi Arabian-born militant who orchestrated the September 11 attacks. Driven by pan-Islamist beliefs, he actively participated in the Afghan jihad against Soviet forces and supported Bosnian mujahideen during the Yugoslav Wars. His actions had a profound impact on global politics and security.
March 1957: Birth of Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Laden was born in March 1957 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His father was a billionaire with close ties to the Saudi royal family.
1967: Death of Mohammed bin Laden
In 1967, Osama bin Laden's father, Mohammed bin Laden, died in a plane crash in Saudi Arabia due to a landing error by the American pilot.
1968: Education at Al-Thager Model School
From 1968 to 1976, Osama bin Laden attended the prestigious Al-Thager Model School, known for its high academic standards.
1971: English Language Course in Oxford
In 1971, Osama bin Laden attended an English-language course in Oxford, England, to improve his language skills.
1974: Marriage to Najwa Ghanem
At the age of 17, Osama bin Laden married Najwa Ghanem in Latakia, Syria, in 1974. The couple later separated.
1976: Studies at King Abdulaziz University
After completing his studies at Al-Thager Model School, Osama bin Laden enrolled at King Abdulaziz University in 1976 to pursue higher education in economics and business administration.
1979: Bin Laden Joins Afghan Resistance
After graduating college in 1979, Bin Laden traveled to Pakistan to join Abdullah Azzam in supporting the Mujahideen resistance in the Afghan-Soviet War, using personal funds and resources.
1979: Joins Afghan Mujahideen
Osama bin Laden joined the Afghan mujahideen in 1979 after studying at local universities, marking his entry into militant activities.
1979: Possible Civil Engineering Degree
Some reports indicate that Osama bin Laden earned a degree in civil engineering in 1979, although this remains unconfirmed.
1980: Bin Laden's Alleged Liaison Role
Starting in early 1980, some CIA officers suggest that Bin Laden acted as a liaison between the Saudi General Intelligence Presidency and Afghan warlords, though no evidence exists in CIA archives to support this claim.
1981: Possible Public Administration Degree
There are claims suggesting that Osama bin Laden obtained a degree in public administration in 1981, but these claims lack concrete evidence.
1982: Israel Destroys Towers in Lebanon
During the 1982 Lebanon War, Israel destroyed towers in Lebanon. This event later served as inspiration for Osama bin Laden's attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.
1982: Witnessing Injustice and Tyranny
In 1982, Osama bin Laden witnessed the American-Israeli alliance's actions against people in Palestine and Lebanon, particularly the US's support for the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. This event, coupled with the sight of destroyed towers in Lebanon, fueled bin Laden's desire for retaliation against the United States.
1983: Marriage to Khadijah Sharif
Osama bin Laden married Khadijah Sharif in 1983. The couple divorced in the 1990s.
1984: Establishment of Maktab al-Khidamat
In 1984, Bin Laden and Azzam founded Maktab al-Khidamat, an organization that channeled funds, weapons, and fighters from the Arab world to Afghanistan to support the Afghan resistance.
1984: Co-founds Maktab al-Khidamat
In 1984, Osama bin Laden co-founded Maktab al-Khidamat, an organization that recruited foreign fighters to join the Afghan mujahideen in the fight against the Soviet Union.
1985: Marriage to Khairiah Sabar
Osama bin Laden married Khairiah Sabar in 1985.
1986: Bin Laden Establishes Base in Eastern Afghanistan
Between 1986 and 1987, Bin Laden set up a base in eastern Afghanistan for his Arab soldiers, from which he participated in combat against Soviet forces.
1987: Battle of Jaji
In 1987, Bin Laden participated in the Battle of Jaji, a battle of little strategic significance that was amplified in the Arab press and contributed to his growing image as a hero among some Arabs.
1987: Marriage to Siham Sabar
Osama bin Laden married Siham Sabar in 1987.
May 1988: Gilgit Massacre
In May 1988, a large number of Shias were killed in and around Gilgit, Pakistan, in a massacre allegedly orchestrated in response to a Shia revolt. Some sources allege that the Pakistani Army recruited Bin Laden to lead a group of Sunni tribals to quell the revolt.
August 1988: Formation of al-Qaeda
Notes from a meeting on August 20, 1988, suggest that al-Qaeda was already a formal group by that time. Its stated goal was to spread the word of God and achieve victory for Islam. The organization had specific membership requirements, including obedience and a pledge of allegiance to superiors.
August 1988: Secret Meeting and Agreement
On August 11, 1988, a secret meeting took place between leaders of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Abdullah Azzam, and Bin Laden. The meeting resulted in an agreement to combine Bin Laden's wealth with the expertise of Islamic Jihad to further the jihadist cause after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.
1988: Founding of al-Qaeda
Osama bin Laden founded al-Qaeda in 1988 to pursue global jihad.
1988: Death of Salem bin Laden
Osama bin Laden's eldest half-brother, Salem bin Laden, who became the head of the family after their father's death, died in a plane crash in 1988 near San Antonio, Texas, when he accidentally hit power lines.
February 1989: Bin Laden Returns to Saudi Arabia
After the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan in February 1989, Bin Laden returned to Saudi Arabia, where he was seen by some as a hero of jihad for his role in the Soviet defeat.
March 1989: Battle of Jalalabad
In March 1989, Bin Laden led around 800 Arab foreign fighters in the Battle of Jalalabad. His objective was to immobilize the 7th Sarandoy Regiment, but the attempt failed and resulted in significant casualties.
August 1990: Bin Laden's Offer to Defend Saudi Arabia
In August 1990, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Osama bin Laden offered to mobilize his Arab legion to defend Saudi Arabia from potential Iraqi aggression. He urged the Saudi monarchy not to rely on non-Muslim assistance, particularly from the United States. His offer was rejected, and the Saudi government instead allowed the deployment of U.S. forces on Saudi territory.
November 1990: FBI Uncovers al-Qaeda Terrorist Plans
In November 1990, the FBI uncovered evidence of al-Qaeda's terrorist plots during a raid on the New Jersey residence of El Sayyid Nosair. The discovered evidence included plans to target New York City skyscrapers.
1990: Afghan Coup Attempt and Pakistani Political Involvement
Bin Laden financed a coup attempt in Afghanistan led by communist General Shahnawaz Tanai in 1990. He also attempted to influence Pakistani politics by lobbying for a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, which ultimately failed.
1990: Gulf War and Rejection by Saudi Royal Family
During the Gulf War in 1990, Osama bin Laden's offer to support the Saudi Royal Family against Iraq was rejected, leading them to seek aid from the United States instead.
1990: President George H. W. Bush assures King Fahd of U.S. troop withdrawal from Saudi Arabia
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush assured King Fahd of Saudi Arabia that all U.S. troops stationed in the country to manage airspace control in Iraq during Operation Southern Watch would be withdrawn once the perceived threat from Iraq was neutralized.
1991: Expulsion from Saudi Arabia and Relocation to Sudan
Osama bin Laden's pan-Islamist and anti-American views led to his expulsion from Saudi Arabia in 1991. He relocated his headquarters to Sudan.
1991: Bin Laden Expelled from Saudi Arabia
In 1991, due to his persistent criticism of the Saudi government's alliance with the United States, Osama bin Laden was expelled from Saudi Arabia. He relocated to Afghanistan before moving to Sudan in 1992.
1991: Bin Laden Moves to Afghanistan and Sudan
After his expulsion from Saudi Arabia in 1991, Osama bin Laden and his followers relocated to Afghanistan and later to Sudan in 1992.
April 1992: Bin Laden Attempts to Mediate in Afghan Civil War
In April 1992, amidst escalating civil war in Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden attempted to mediate peace by urging warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar to join other mujahideen leaders in forming a coalition government.
December 1992: Bombing of the Gold Mihor Hotel in Aden
On December 29, 1992, the Gold Mihor Hotel in Aden was bombed, resulting in two fatalities. This attack is believed to be the first bombing involving Osama bin Laden.
1992: Bin Laden's Support for Algerian Islamists
Around 1992, Osama bin Laden sent an emissary, Qari el-Said, with $40,000 to Algeria to support Islamist groups and encourage them to choose war over negotiations with the Algerian government.
1992: End of U.S. Support for Afghan Resistance
By 1992, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China had provided billions of dollars in financial aid and weapons to the Afghan mujahideen through Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
1993: Escalation of Violence in Algeria
Around 1993, following Bin Laden's support, the conflict in Algeria escalated into a full-blown war. The war resulted in the deaths of an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Algerians and ended with the Islamists' surrender to the government.
1993: Bin Laden and Mehrez Aodouni allegedly granted Bosnian citizenship and passports
In 1993, Bin Laden and his Tunisian aide, Mehrez Aodouni, were allegedly granted Bosnian citizenship and passports by the government in Sarajevo.
1993: Nosair's Conviction and Admission of Guilt
In 1993, El Sayyid Nosair, an associate of al-Qaeda, was convicted for his involvement in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Years later, he admitted to the murder of Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York City in 1990.
March 1994: Killing of German Intelligence Agent and Wife in Libya
Silvan Becker, an agent with the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, and his wife, Vera, were killed in Libya in March 1994. Osama bin Laden was later charged with their murders.
1994: Bin Laden Establishes Terror Network in Albania
In 1994, Osama bin Laden reportedly established a terror network in Albania under the guise of a humanitarian organization. The goal of this network was to participate in the Kosovo War.
1994: Bin Laden's Saudi Citizenship Revoked
In 1994, as a result of Bin Laden's continued criticism, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia revoked his Saudi citizenship and persuaded his family to cut off his $7 million annual stipend.
1995: Assassination Attempt on Egyptian President and al-Qaeda's Justification for Killing
In 1995, the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), with reported links to Bin Laden, attempted to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The attempt failed, leading to Sudan expelling the EIJ. Following the bombing, al-Qaeda reportedly developed its justification for killing innocent people based on a fatwa issued by Mamdouh Mahmud Salim.
1995: Discussions about Expelling Bin Laden from Sudan
In late 1995, the U.S. State Department and CIA became aware of discussions between Sudanese and Saudi officials regarding the potential expulsion of Bin Laden from Sudan.
January 1996: CIA Establishes Bin Laden Issue Station
In January 1996, the CIA formed the Bin Laden Issue Station, also known as "Alec Station," within its Counterterrorism Center (CTC). This unit was tasked with tracking and conducting operations against Bin Laden's activities.
February 1996: Sudanese officials attempt to expel Bin Laden
In February 1996, Sudanese officials, facing pressure from other countries, secretly met with Saudi Arabian officials to discuss expelling Bin Laden. They offered to send him back to Saudi Arabia in exchange for a pardon. The Saudis, who had already revoked Bin Laden's citizenship, were interested in his expulsion but refused to allow him back into the country. Bin Laden himself felt unsafe in Sudan, believing that the Egyptian or Saudi regimes, possibly with CIA involvement, had attempted to assassinate him.
May 1996: Bin Laden leaves Sudan for Afghanistan
Due to mounting international pressure, Bin Laden was expelled from Sudan in May 1996. He chose to relocate to Jalalabad, Afghanistan, where he developed a strong alliance with Mullah Mohammed Omar. This expulsion significantly weakened Bin Laden and his organization, causing financial losses and forcing him to leave behind assets. Some believe this expulsion contributed to his turn towards full-time radicalism.
August 1996: Bin Laden issues "Declaration of War against the Americans Occupying the Land of the Two Holy Places"
In August 1996, Bin Laden published a fatwa, "Declaration of War against the Americans Occupying the Land of the Two Holy Places," through the London-based newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi. This declaration criticized the continued presence of U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, which Bin Laden perceived as an occupation and a betrayal of an agreement for their removal after the Iraqi threat was addressed. Bin Laden's fatwa argued that American presence in the Middle East, particularly their support for Israel, was the root cause of the region's problems and accused Saudi Arabia of becoming an American colony.
August 1996: First Fatwa Against the United States
In August 1996, Osama bin Laden issued his first fatwa, declaring a holy war against the United States.
June 1997: The New York Times reports on Al Khobar building bombing
In its June 26, 1997, report on the bombing of the Al Khobar building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, The New York Times reported that the individuals apprehended had confessed to serving with Bosnian Muslim forces and having ties to Osama bin Laden.
November 1997: Luxor Massacre and Bin Laden's relocation within Afghanistan
Bin Laden is alleged to have funded the Luxor massacre in November 1997, which resulted in the deaths of 62 civilians and sparked outrage in Egypt. Around the same time, the threat from the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan forced Bin Laden to relocate his base of operations from the Najim Jihad compound to Tarnak Farms.
1997: Nasser al-Bahri Becomes Bodyguard
Nasser al-Bahri became Osama bin Laden's personal bodyguard in 1997, serving in this role until 2001.
February 1998: Bin Laden and others issue fatwa calling for attacks against the U.S.
On February 23, 1998, Bin Laden, along with Ayman al-Zawahiri, Ahmad Refai Taha, Shaykh Mir Hamzah, and Maulana Fazlur Rahman, issued a fatwa titled "Declaration of the World Islamic Front for Jihad against the Jews and the Crusaders." This declaration called for Muslims to attack the U.S. and its allies, citing various grievances such as the American military presence in the Arabian Peninsula, sanctions imposed on Iraq, and the oppression of Palestinians by Israel.
February 1998: Second Fatwa Against the United States
Osama bin Laden issued his second fatwa against the United States in February 1998, further solidifying his stance against the country.
March 1998: Libya Issues Interpol Arrest Warrant for Bin Laden
Libya issued an Interpol arrest warrant against Osama bin Laden in March 1998 for the deaths of Silvan Becker, a German intelligence agent, and his wife in 1994.
May 1998: Bin Laden's Interview with John Miller
During a May 1998 interview with ABC's John Miller, Bin Laden shared his belief that the Israeli state aimed to annex the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East to enslave its people, as part of a "Greater Israel". He also stated his view that war between Jews and Muslims was "inevitable" and accused the U.S. of inciting anti-Islamic sentiment.
June 1998: Al-Qaeda Congress
Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri convened an al-Qaeda congress on June 24, 1998.
June 1998: US Indicts Bin Laden for Conspiracy to Attack Defense Utilities
In June 1998, a US grand jury indicted Osama bin Laden on charges of conspiracy to attack US defense utilities. He was also accused of leading al-Qaeda and financing Islamic fighters globally.
August 1998: US Launches Missile Strikes on Bin Laden's Training Camps
In August 1998, the US Navy launched 66 cruise missiles targeting Osama bin Laden's training camps near Khost, Afghanistan, narrowly missing him.
August 1998: U.S. embassy bombings in East Africa
On August 7, 1998, simultaneous truck bomb attacks targeted the U.S. embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. These attacks were linked to individuals connected with the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ) in the region. Although al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the bombings, the events brought Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri to the forefront of American public awareness.
August 1998: U.S. launches retaliatory strikes
In response to the August 1998 U.S. embassy bombings, President Bill Clinton ordered cruise missile strikes on August 20, 1998, targeting sites in Sudan and Afghanistan associated with Bin Laden.
November 1998: Bin Laden Indicted for 1998 Embassy Bombings
In November 1998, a US Federal Grand Jury indicted Bin Laden for his alleged role in the 1998 US embassy bombings. The Taliban, however, refused to extradite him, citing insufficient evidence.
December 1998: CIA reports al-Qaeda's preparation for attacks in the U.S.
The CIA informed President Clinton in December 1998 that al-Qaeda was actively preparing for attacks within the United States, including training individuals to hijack aircraft.
December 1998: Bin Laden's Interview with Rahimullah Yusufzai
In December 1998, Bin Laden stated in an interview with Pakistani journalist Rahimullah Yusufzai that Operation Desert Fox proved that Jewish people controlled the United States and United Kingdom governments and were responsible for the deaths of many Muslims.
1998: 1998 US Embassy Bombings
In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed. Osama bin Laden was among those indicted for their involvement in these attacks.
1998: Arrests and Extradition of Bin Laden's Associates in Albania
By 1998, Albanian authorities arrested four members of Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ) associated with Bin Laden's network and extradited them to Egypt.
1998: US Seeks Extradition of Bin Laden for 1998 Embassy Attacks
Following his indictment in the 1998 embassy attacks, the US government made attempts to extradite Bin Laden from Afghanistan, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
June 1999: Bin Laden Added to FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List
Osama bin Laden was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in June 1999 following his indictment for the 1998 embassy bombings.
June 1999: Bin Laden added to FBI's Ten Most Wanted list
The FBI placed Bin Laden on its Ten Most Wanted list on June 7, 1999.
October 1999: al-Qaeda Designated as Terrorist Organization
The United Nations designated al-Qaeda as a terrorist organization in October 1999 in response to its growing global threat.
October 15, 1999: UN designates al-Qaeda as a terrorist organization
On October 15, 1999, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1267, designating al-Qaeda as a terrorist organization. This resolution was intended to impose various sanctions on individuals and entities linked to al-Qaeda, such as asset freezes and travel restrictions.
December 1999: Karim Said Atmani arrested and convicted
Intelligence reports from the Middle East suggested that Bin Laden utilized his businesses in Sudan to fund the transportation of small groups of recruits from various Arab countries. One such individual was Karim Said Atmani, who was later identified as the document forger for a group of Algerians accused of planning bombing attacks within the United States. Atmani, a former roommate of Ahmed Ressam (the individual apprehended at the U.S.-Canada border in mid-December 1999 with explosives and bomb-making materials), was subsequently convicted by a French court for collaborating with Bin Laden.
December 1999: Khalil al-Deek arrested in Jordan
Khalil al-Deek was arrested in Jordan in late December 1999 due to suspected involvement in a plot to bomb tourist locations.
1999: Milošević Accuses US of Aiding Bin Laden in Kosovo War
During his trial in 1999, Slobodan Milošević, the former Serbian President, alleged that the US indirectly supported Osama bin Laden by cooperating with the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which Milošević claimed received aid from al-Qaeda.
1999: Reports surface about Bin Laden's Bosnian passport
In 1999, reports surfaced claiming that Bin Laden and his Tunisian assistant, Mehrez Aodouni, were granted Bosnian citizenship and passports in 1993 by the Sarajevo government. Initially, the Bosnian government denied these claims, particularly after the September 11 attacks. However, it was later revealed that Aodouni had been apprehended in Turkey while in possession of a Bosnian passport. Following this revelation, a new explanation emerged suggesting that while Bin Laden himself did not personally collect his Bosnian passport, officials at the Bosnian embassy in Vienna, which issued the passport, would not have been aware of his identity at the time.
1999: CIA Plans to Capture or Kill Bin Laden Aborted
The CIA and Pakistani intelligence collaborated on a plan in 1999 to either apprehend or eliminate Bin Laden using Pakistani commandos. However, a coup in Pakistan that same year led to the plan's abandonment.
January 2000: Foiled triple attack plot
In late 2000, Richard Clarke, a U.S. counter-terrorism official, revealed that Islamic militants led by Bin Laden had planned a triple attack on January 3, 2000. This plan involved bombings in Jordan targeting the Radisson SAS Hotel in Amman, tourists at Mount Nebo, a site on the Jordan River, an attempt to sink the USS The Sullivans destroyer in Yemen, and an attack on an unspecified target in the United States. The planned attack was foiled due to the apprehension of a terrorist cell in Jordan, the sinking of a boat carrying explosives intended for the destroyer, and the arrest of Ahmed Ressam.
2000: Marriage to Amal al-Sadah
Osama bin Laden married Amal al-Sadah in 2000.
2000: Conflicting Views on Clinton Administration's Focus on Bin Laden
In 2000, differing perspectives emerged regarding the Clinton administration's approach to Bin Laden. Paul Bremer believed their focus on him was appropriate, while Robert Oakley criticized it as an obsession.
2000: US Intelligence Authorized to Visit Sudan
In 2000, after years of strained relations, the U.S. State Department authorized U.S. intelligence officials to visit Sudan.
2000: CIA-Backed Operatives Attack Bin Laden's Convoy
Foreign operatives working with the CIA attempted to assassinate Osama bin Laden in 2000 by firing a rocket-propelled grenade at his convoy in the mountains of Afghanistan. While they managed to hit one of the vehicles, Bin Laden was not in it and escaped harm.
August 2001: Bush Receives Intelligence Report on Bin Laden's Plans
President George W. Bush received an intelligence report titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S." on August 6, 2001, warning of potential attacks.
September 11, 2001: September 11 Attacks
Osama bin Laden orchestrated the September 11 attacks on the United States, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and triggered the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, marking the beginning of the war on terror.
September 2001: Bin Laden Denies Involvement in 9/11 Attacks
Initially, on September 16, 2001, Osama bin Laden publicly denied any involvement in the September 11 attacks through a statement broadcast by Al Jazeera.
September 2001: September 11 Attacks
On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced a series of coordinated terrorist attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda. Four commercial airplanes were hijacked, resulting in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, significant damage to the Pentagon, and a crash in Pennsylvania. The attacks resulted in the loss of at least 2,750 lives.
September 2001: President Bush Demands Justice for 9/11
On September 17, 2001, following the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush addressed the nation, famously stating his desire for justice and using the phrase "Wanted: Dead or alive" in reference to Osama bin Laden. This marked the beginning of a relentless pursuit of the al-Qaeda leader.
September 2001: Najwa Ghanem Flees Afghanistan
Two days before the September 11 attacks, on September 9, 2001, Osama bin Laden's first wife, Najwa Ghanem, fled Afghanistan.
October 2001: Bombing of Afghanistan
In October 2001, the US launched a bombing campaign in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks.
October 2001: Bin Laden Added to FBI's Most Wanted List
In October 2001, Osama bin Laden was officially placed on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list for his role in the 1998 US embassy bombings. His inclusion on this list highlighted the global manhunt for him.
October 2001: Bosnia and Herzegovina labeled as a safe haven for terrorists
In October 2001, a former U.S. State Department official claimed that Bosnia and Herzegovina was serving as a haven for terrorists, alleging that extremist elements within the former Sarajevo government were providing protection to extremists, including some with connections to Bin Laden.
November 2001: Videotape Suggests Bin Laden's Foreknowledge of 9/11
US forces recovered a videotape in Jalalabad in November 2001 that appeared to show Bin Laden discussing the September 11 attacks with Khaled al-Harbi, suggesting prior knowledge.
December 2001: Videotape of Bin Laden Discussing 9/11 Broadcast
The videotape found in November 2001, which showed Bin Laden seemingly discussing the 9/11 attacks with Khaled al-Harbi, was broadcasted on various news channels. The accuracy of the translations, however, was contested.
2001: Construction Begins on Bin Laden's Abbottabad Compound
Construction of the compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where Osama bin Laden would later be found, commenced sometime in 2001.
2001: Nasser al-Bahri Stops Being Bodyguard
Nasser al-Bahri stopped being Osama bin Laden's bodyguard in 2001.
2001: Battle of Tora Bora and Bin Laden's Escape
In late 2001, the Battle of Tora Bora took place in Afghanistan. While US intelligence believed Osama bin Laden was present, he managed to escape. This event was considered a significant setback in the War on Terror.
2002: Bin Laden's Letter to the American People
In 2002, Osama bin Laden penned "Letter to the American People," where he called for the withdrawal of U.S. civilians and military personnel from the Arabian Peninsula and all Muslim lands. He also deemed the formation of Israel a "crime which must be erased."
2002: Bin Laden's "Letter to the American People"
In 2002, Osama bin Laden published his "Letter to the American People," outlining his ideology and justifications for terrorism against the United States.
2002: Bin Laden's Letter Criticizing U.S.
In a letter published in late 2002, Osama bin Laden criticized the United States for its secular governance and called for Americans to convert to Islam. He condemned what he perceived as immoral acts in American society.
2002: Bin Laden's Letter on Jewish Control
In a letter released in late 2002, Bin Laden stated his belief that Jews controlled the United States' civilian media, political, and economic institutions.
2004: Bin Laden Claims Responsibility for 9/11 Attacks
In 2004, Osama bin Laden released a video in which he took responsibility for orchestrating the September 11 attacks, claiming he personally directed the nineteen hijackers. He cited the destruction of towers in Lebanon by Israel during the 1982 Lebanon War as inspiration for the attacks.
2004: Bin Laden's Strategy of Attrition
In a 2004 tape broadcasted by Al Jazeera, Osama bin Laden outlined his strategy of engaging powerful enemies like the U.S. in protracted wars in Muslim countries, aiming to drain their resources and ultimately cause economic collapse.
December 2005: Letter Reveals Bin Laden's Presence in Waziristan
In December 2005, a letter from Atiyah Abd al-Rahman to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi surfaced, indicating that Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda leadership were likely hiding in the Waziristan region of Pakistan. The letter suggested that they were facing difficulties and were weaker than before.
2005: CIA Unit Tasked with Capturing Bin Laden Disbanded
The Washington Post reported that the specialized CIA unit dedicated to capturing Osama bin Laden was disbanded in late 2005. This decision reflected the ongoing challenges and shifting priorities in the hunt for the al-Qaeda leader.
2005: Construction of Bin Laden's Abbottabad Compound Completed
Construction of the Abbottabad compound, which would serve as Osama bin Laden's hideout, was finished in 2005.
May 2006: Bin Laden Claims Responsibility for 9/11 Attacks
In May 2006, Al Jazeera aired a tape where Osama bin Laden publicly claimed responsibility for the September 11 attacks. He stated that he was in charge of the nineteen individuals involved and had entrusted them with carrying out the attacks.
September 2006: Video Evidence of 9/11 Planning Surfaces
In September 2006, another video broadcast by Al Jazeera showed bin Laden with key figures involved in the 9/11 attacks, including Ramzi bin al-Shibh and two hijackers. The video depicted them engaged in preparations for the attacks.
2006: Alleged Beginning of Bin Laden's Captivity Under ISI
According to Seymour Hersh's account, Osama bin Laden was allegedly taken into custody by the Pakistani ISI in 2006 and held at the Abbottabad compound.
July 2007: US Senate Increases Reward for Bin Laden's Capture
In July 2007, following the September 11 attacks, the US Senate voted to increase the reward for information leading to Osama bin Laden's capture or death to $50 million. This illustrated the US government's commitment to apprehending him.
August 2007: US and Afghan Forces Raid Tora Bora Again
Between August 14 and 16, 2007, US and Afghan forces conducted another raid on the Tora Bora caves based on intelligence about an al-Qaeda gathering. Despite killing numerous enemy combatants, they did not locate Osama bin Laden or Ayman al-Zawahiri.
August 2007: Bin Laden Releases Video Claiming Sole Responsibility for 9/11
In August 2007, a new video of Osama bin Laden surfaced. In it, he asserted sole responsibility for the September 11 attacks, explicitly denying any prior knowledge of the attacks by the Taliban or the Afghan people.
October 2008: Obama Vows to Kill Bin Laden
During the second US presidential debate on October 7, 2008, then-candidate Barack Obama vowed to prioritize the elimination of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda if elected president.
February 2009: Alleged Sighting of Bin Laden in Afghanistan
In February 2009, a Taliban detainee alleged that a trusted contact had seen Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan approximately 15 to 20 days prior. This unverified information contributed to the ongoing speculation surrounding Bin Laden's whereabouts.
March 2009: Reports Emerge About Bin Laden's Possible Hideouts
In March 2009, multiple reports emerged about potential hideouts of Osama bin Laden. UCLA research suggested three compounds in Parachinar, Pakistan, while other reports pointed to the Chitral District, including the Kalam Valley. These reports intensified the search for the elusive al-Qaeda leader.
December 2009: Conflicting Reports and Statements on Bin Laden's Whereabouts
In December 2009, conflicting reports and statements emerged regarding Osama bin Laden's location. While a Taliban detainee claimed to have information about Bin Laden being in Afghanistan earlier that year, US officials, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, stated they lacked reliable information. General Stanley McChrystal emphasized the significance of capturing or killing Bin Laden for defeating al-Qaeda.
February 2010: Saudi Arabia Denies Involvement in Afghan Peace Talks Unless Taliban Cuts Ties with Bin Laden
During Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit to Saudi Arabia in February 2010, an anonymous Saudi official stated that the kingdom would only participate in Afghan peacemaking efforts if the Taliban severed ties with extremists and expelled Osama bin Laden.
June 2010: False Report of Bin Laden Hiding in Iran
In June 2010, Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah published a report, later repeated by The Australian, alleging that Osama bin Laden was hiding in Sabzevar, Iran. This report was later proven false.
October 2010: NATO Official Suggests Bin Laden is Hiding in Pakistan Under ISI Protection
In October 2010, an unnamed NATO official alleged that Osama bin Laden was living in Pakistan under the protection of elements within the country's intelligence services. Pakistan denied these claims, characterizing them as attempts to exert pressure on the government.
2010: Bin Laden Criticizes Extremist Violence and Calls for Restraint
In 2010, Osama bin Laden penned a letter condemning the misinterpretation of Islamic doctrine to justify violence against Muslim civilians. He criticized specific attacks, including one by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, and urged for a reevaluation of the "tatarrus" doctrine to minimize civilian casualties. Bin Laden also advocated for peace and stability in Yemen and Somalia, emphasizing education and persuasion over confrontation.
2010: Bin Laden's Children in Iran
Following the September 11 attacks, many of Osama bin Laden's children sought refuge in Iran. As of 2010, Iranian authorities were reportedly controlling their movements.
April 2011: President Obama Orders Operation Neptune Spear
In April 2011, President Barack Obama authorized Operation Neptune Spear, the mission to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.
April 2011: US Intelligence Locates Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan
In April 2011, US intelligence agencies tracked Osama bin Laden to a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, approximately 160 kilometers from the Afghan border. The compound, constructed between 2001 and 2005, was located near the Pakistan Military Academy.
May 2011: Death of Osama bin Laden
On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. special operations forces at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
May 2011: Osama Bin Laden Killed in US Operation
Osama bin Laden was killed on May 2, 2011, in a US military operation codenamed Operation Neptune Spear in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation was carried out by a team of US Navy SEALs from DEVGRU, with support from the CIA.
June 2011: US Drops All Charges Against Bin Laden
All criminal charges against Osama bin Laden were dropped by US federal prosecutors on June 15, 2011, following his death.
June 2011: Ayman al-Zawahiri Succeeds bin Laden
Following Osama bin Laden's death, his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, succeeded him as the leader of al-Qaeda in June 2011.
February 2012: Pakistan Demolishes Bin Laden Compound
Pakistani authorities demolished the compound in Abbottabad where Osama bin Laden was killed in February 2012 to prevent it from becoming a site of pilgrimage or glorification.
March 2012: Pakistani Newspaper Publishes Report on Bin Laden's Life in Hiding
Pakistani newspaper Dawn obtained and published a report in March 2012 detailing Osama bin Laden's movements while in hiding in Pakistan. The report was based on interrogations of his three surviving wives.
February 2013: Pakistan Announces Plans to Build Amusement Park at Former Bin Laden Hideout
In February 2013, Pakistan unveiled plans to construct a PKR 265 million amusement park on the site of Osama bin Laden's former compound in Abbottabad.
2014: Report Alleges Pakistani ISI Chief Knew of Bin Laden's Location
In 2014, Carlotta Gall reported in The New York Times Magazine that ISI Director General Ahmad Shuja Pasha was aware of Osama bin Laden's presence in Abbottabad, contradicting official claims that Pakistan had no prior knowledge of the US operation.
2015: Seymour Hersh Claims Bin Laden Was a Prisoner of the ISI
Investigative journalist Seymour M. Hersh published an article in the London Review of Books in 2015, alleging that Osama bin Laden had been held captive by the ISI at the Abbottabad compound since 2006. Hersh claimed that the ISI provided information about Bin Laden's location to the CIA in exchange for a substantial payment. These allegations were denied by both US and Pakistani officials.
2019: Debate and Speculation Regarding Bin Laden's Life in Abbottabad
In 2019, conflicting accounts and speculation surrounded Osama bin Laden's life in Abbottabad, Pakistan, prior to his death. Some argued he lived a discreet life with a local family, avoiding technology. Pakistani officials denied sheltering him, attributing limited resources to combating active threats like the Pakistani Taliban. However, captured documents suggested Bin Laden's distrust of Pakistani authorities, particularly after Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's arrest.
2019: Pakistani Prime Minister Claims ISI Provided Information Leading to Bin Laden
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan stated in 2019 that Pakistani intelligence played a crucial role in locating Osama bin Laden, claiming that the ISI provided the information that led the CIA to his compound in Abbottabad.
June 2020: Imran Khan's Controversial Remarks on Bin Laden
During a Pakistani parliament session in June 2020, Prime Minister Imran Khan sparked controversy by condemning the killing of Osama bin Laden as an "embarrassing moment" for Pakistan. He praised Bin Laden as a "Shaheed" (martyr) and criticized previous Pakistani governments for cooperating with the U.S. in the "War on Terror." Khan's remarks reignited debates about Bin Laden's legacy and Pakistan's role in combating terrorism.
November 2023: Bin Laden's Letter Resurfaces on TikTok, Sparking Controversy
In November 2023, during the 2023 Hamas-Israel war, Osama bin Laden's "Letter to the American People" from 2002 resurfaced on TikTok, causing controversy. Some users expressed sympathy with his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to the letter's removal from The Guardian's website and TikTok taking down videos sharing it.