Didn't we have Osama in our crosshairs at one time?

Question

I don't think I just imagined it but didn't we have him scoped out in Afghanistan and didn't take the shot because it would have killed innocent civilians? If this is true why did the US military kill those 7 kids in Afghanistan? Whats the story on that?

Fateridder I guess that sums it all up then if he was with royalty. I guess kids would have been OK.

Answer 1

In George Tenets book entitled at the Center of the Storm , he admits the U.S. had Bin Ladin in the cross hairs however Washington would not let the CIA take him out with a cruise missile because he was with " Saudi Royalty " .

Answer 2

I do recall the report that the French special forces had Osama in their crosshairs but were ordered by the Americans not to take the shot. This event sounds at odds with your story, since there were no "innocent civilians" that would have been killed had the order to take the shot been given.

As far as the recent deaths of the seven children in Afghanistan goes, if the children happened to be inside, or near the building that was the target of an air strike, but unknown to the spotters at the time, it is often too late to stop a guided missile/artillery round once it has been fired.

Many "friendly fire" incidents have already occurred and have been reported in Afghanistan. Many civilians have also been killed as "collateral damage" too. Before you make any further judgements, remember that in Afghanistan the Mujahedin, the warlords, and the Taliban have all been responsible for civilian deaths that did not always go reported.

Answer 3

You're right. Clinton passed up the opportunity.

Not once, but many times. He was given the opportunity by the Northern Alliance. He was given the opportunity by the CIA. And he was given the opportunity to arrest him by the Saudis and the Yemenis.

He decided against it at each opportunity.

Answer 4

Didn't Clinton get offered Osama THREE TIMES?