Osama bin Laden

ABOUT Osama bin Laden was a Saudi Arabian-born militant who became infamous as the founding leader of the militant Islamist organization al-Qaeda. Born into a wealthy family, bin Laden's life took a significant turn as he evolved from a young, affluent individual into a global terrorist leader. Under his leadership, al-Qaeda orchestrated several high-profile terrorist attacks, including the devastating September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, which significantly changed global politics and security practices.

BEFORE FAME Osama bin Laden was born on March 10, 1957, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, into the prominent bin Laden family. His father, Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden, was a wealthy businessman with close ties to the Saudi royal family. Osama was one of around fifty children sired by Mohammed bin Laden with various wives. He completed his education in Saudi Arabia, attending King Abdulaziz University, where he studied economics and business administration. It was in his university years that bin Laden began to develop his radical Islamist beliefs, heavily influenced by the writings of Sayyid Qutb and the ideologies of the Muslim Brotherhood.

TRIVIA

• Osama bin Laden was exiled from Saudi Arabia in 1992 after criticizing the Saudi monarchy.
• Before founding al-Qaeda, he fought against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan during the 1980s and provided substantial funds, training, and logistic support to the Afghan Mujahideen.
• After the 9/11 attacks, bin Laden became the world's most wanted fugitive.
• His codename during the U.S. Navy SEAL operation that led to his death was "Geronimo."
• Bin Laden was known for his height, standing at around 6 feet 5 inches tall.
• He was a fan of soccer and had a passion for horse riding and hunting.

FAMILY LIFE Osama bin Laden had multiple wives and fathered around 20 to 24 children. His most prominent marriage was to Najwa Ghanem, his first cousin, with whom he had several children. Despite his radical and militant lifestyle, he maintained a somewhat traditional family structure and upheld strong patriarchal values within his household. The bin Laden family, particularly his father and siblings, were prominent in Saudi business circles, making significant contributions to Saudi infrastructure and maintaining close relations with the Saudi royal family.

ASSOCIATED WITH Osama bin Laden is mostly associated with the establishment and operations of al-Qaeda, which he founded in 1988. Al-Qaeda's name quickly became synonymous with global terrorism under his leadership, responsible for orchestrating multiple suicide bombings and planned attacks worldwide. Figures connected to bin Laden include Ayman al-Zawahiri, his long-time deputy and successor as the leader of al-Qaeda, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks, and other key terror operatives within the organization.

Bin Laden's influence and his role in 9/11 had significant global repercussions, leading to the War on Terror, the invasion of Afghanistan, and various international policy changes aimed at countering terrorism. His life and actions have left an indelible mark on modern history, making him one of the most infamous figures of the 21st century.

Bin Laden was ultimately killed on May 2, 2011, by U.S. Navy SEALs during a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. His death marked a pivotal moment in the global fight against terrorism but left behind a complex and far-reaching legacy.