'Missile killed Bin Laden son'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of Osama bin Laden's sons was probably killed by a US missile strike in Pakistan earlier this year, an intelligence official said.
Agents were "80 to 85 per cent" sure that Saad bin Laden was dead but without a body it was hard to be certain, the official told the US-based National Public Radio. The son was not deliberately targeted and happened to be "in the wrong place at the wrong time", the official said.
Saad bin Laden, the al-Qa'ida leader's third son who was in his late 20s, was active in al-Qa'ida but not a major player. US intelligence agencies believe he fled to Pakistan after spending several years under house arrest in Iran. He was probably killed by a Hellfire missile fired from a US Predator drone, the official added.
Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding in the rugged, mountainous tribal area that runs along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments