Historical2011
Osama bin Laden Killed
U.S. Navy SEALs conducted a raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, killing al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the architect of the September 11, 2001 attacks. President Barack Obama announced the operation to the nation that evening.
Why It Matters
The operation demonstrated the nation's resolve and capability in responding to threats, while also prompting ongoing debate about executive power, intelligence gathering, and the legal framework for counterterrorism.