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How did the 2011 U.S. mission in Abbottabad, Pakistan, target Osama bin Laden?

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U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command training mission — special operations warfare Members of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command training for water rescue, 2007.

The 2011 mission to target Osama bin Laden, known as Operation Neptune Spear, was a helicopter-borne assault conducted by special forces personnel from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, or SEAL Team 6.12

Following years of intelligence gathering that identified a courier linked to bin Laden, U.S. officials located a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. After considering options like air strikes or drone attacks, military planners opted for a raid to ensure positive identification of the target.31

On May 1, 2011, 23 SEALs departed from Afghanistan in stealth-modified helicopters. Despite a hard landing by one aircraft at the compound, the team breached the defenses and swept the residence. During the operation, bin Laden was located on the third floor and killed by members of the assault team. The team subsequently recovered computer equipment and bin Laden’s body before departing the site. While the U.S. government maintained the operation was conducted without Pakistani knowledge, this account has been challenged by various reports suggesting potential awareness or support from elements within Pakistan.13