American Manhunt Osama Bin Laden: Decade-Long Pursuit
The decade-long pursuit of Osama bin Laden was a complex and challenging operation that involved multiple agencies and governments. The story of the manhunt, as told in the Netflix docuseries, provides a detailed and nuanced look at the events leading up to the eventual capture and killing of bin Laden, and highlights the importance of international cooperation and determination in the pursuit of justice.
The US began the mission to find Osama bin Laden even before the 9/11 attacks, with the CIA's Counter-Terrorist Centre setting up a special unit to analyze his actions in the Middle East and Africa. Bin Laden, who had shifted base to Afghanistan in the late 1990s to form al-Qaeda, was known to fund mujahideen and viewed the US as the real enemy that needed to be targeted for its interference in the Middle East and its supposed incompatibility with Islamic values.
The US intensified the manhunt after the 9/11 attacks, with officials believing that the Taliban government in Afghanistan was sheltering al-Qaeda and bin Laden. However, bin Laden remained at large, and it wasn't until the end of the 2000s that his presence in Pakistan was zeroed in on through several clues, including tracking courier movements and satellite imagery. The Obama administration eventually decided to send US SEAL Team 6 to reach Abbottabad, Pakistan, without informing the Pakistani government, due to concerns that Pakistani intelligence had worked both sides of the fence for many years and had relationships with militant groups.
A Netflix docuseries, American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, explores the decade-long manhunt for bin Laden after he claimed responsibility for the 9/11 attacks. The series delves into the events leading up to the Battle of Tora Bora, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the early stages of Operation Jawbreaker. It features interviews with key figures, including CIA field commander Gary Berntsen and counterterrorism director Cofer Black, who express their frustrations with the operation.
The documentary concludes with a message of resilience and faith, reminding viewers that justice may be delayed but the quest for it restores hope. The story of the American manhunt for Osama bin Laden serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in pursuing justice, and the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.