Contemporary · South Asia · War

2011

Bin Laden killed in Abbottabad

May 2, 2011

Two stealth helicopters carrying Navy SEALs descended on a high-walled compound near Pakistan's premier military academy. Within forty minutes Osama bin Laden was dead, his body bagged for a sea burial. President Obama announced it after midnight. Crowds gathered outside the White House to chant USA into the spring air.

More from 2011 Contemporary

In context

Also in 2011 (6 other events on record)

Tōhoku earthquake and Fukushima · East Asia · Disaster
Tahrir Square fills · Africa · Politics
Syria's civil war begins · Middle East · War
Gaddafi killed in Sirte · Africa · War
U.S. troops leave Iraq · Middle East · War
Royal wedding at Westminster · Europe · Culture

Before and after in South Asia

Before: July 1, 2010: Pakistan's monsoon megaflood
After: October 9, 2012: Malala shot in Swat

Before and after in War

Before: November 26, 2008: Mumbai attacks
After: April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon bombing

Era

Contemporary (2001–2026), one of 196 events from that era on Saeculum.