---
title: "Today in military history: Osama bin Laden is killed"
description: "On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, mastermind of 9/11 attacks, was killed by SEAL Team Six. See how it went down on We Are the Mighty."
date: "2021-04-29"
modified: "2023-05-01"
authors:
  - name: "Team Mighty"
    job_title: "Author"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/teammighty/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/today-in-military-history/osama-bin-laden-killed/"
categories:
  - "History"
---

# Today in military history: Osama bin Laden is killed

![osama bin laden killed](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Osama-Bin-Laden-Death.jpeg>)

On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, mastermind of 9/11 attacks, was killed by [SEAL Team Six](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/ass-kicked-by-seal-team-6/>).

After nearly a decade of hunting the world’s most wanted man, the [CIA located bin Laden](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/stealth-black-hawk-predecessor/>) at a specially-built compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, by following a courier.

https://youtu.be/WMhRIKFJMaI

At 1 A.M. local time on May 2, SEAL Team Six launched an assault known as Operation Neptune’s Spear, named for the trident in the Navy SEAL’s insignia. The frogmen killed bin Laden and four others at the compound while retrieving loads of valuable intelligence.

![osama bin laden killed](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/396746-scaled.jpg>)
*A crowd cheers and chants in excitement at the corner of Vesey St. and Liberty St. next to Ground Zero after hearing that Osama Bin Laden is dead.*

No American casualties occurred during the raid, although one Black Hawk helicopter crashed and was destroyed on-site.

https://youtu.be/ZNYmK19-d0U

President Barack Obama announced the death of bin Laden at 11:35 PM Eastern Time on May 1 from the White House. [His full remarks](<https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead>) are in the video above.

“Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.

For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.

Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.” President Barack Obama

Almost a decade after the [September 11th attacks](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/featured/the-story-behind-the-famous-9-11-light-memorial/>), the United States got justice when Osama bin Laden was killed.

## Author
Team Mighty's experience encompasses intel, special ops, military history, tactical expertise, aviation, gear, and weapons. Authors on Team Mighty include veterans, spouses, and active and reserve service members from every branch of the military, as well as former CIA employees.