Osama bin Laden's Milestones

Osama bin Laden was a Saudi-born terrorist leader and founder of al-Qaeda, responsible for orchestrating the September 11, 2001 attacks and other terrorist operations before being killed by U.S. forces in 2011.
1957

Wealthy upbringing

Grew up in a wealthy family as his father Mohammed was a prominent construction magnate with close ties to the Saudi royal family.

Family March 10, 1957 - January 1, 1975

Birth

Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden and Alia Ghanem.

Family March 10, 1957
1967

Father's death

Father Mohammed bin Laden died in a plane crash when Osama was 10 years old, leaving him part of a vast fortune.

Family September 3, 1967
1973

Early religious influence

Became increasingly religious during his university years, influenced by Islamic scholars and fundamentalist teachings.

Other January 1, 1973 - January 1, 1979
1974

First marriage

Married his first wife, Najwa Ghanem, a Syrian woman and his first cousin, at age 17.

Relationship January 1, 1974
1976

King Abdulaziz University

Studied economics and public administration at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Education January 1, 1976 - January 1, 1979
1979

Soviet-Afghan War involvement

Traveled to Afghanistan to support the mujahideen fighting against the Soviet occupation, providing funding and eventually fighting.

Career December 1, 1979 - February 1, 1989
1984

Maktab al-Khidamat founded

Co-founded Maktab al-Khidamat (Services Office) with Abdullah Azzam to recruit and fund foreign fighters in Afghanistan.

Achievement January 1, 1984
1988

Al-Qaeda formation

Founded al-Qaeda (The Base) as a militant Islamist organization, evolving from his Afghan war network.

Career August 11, 1988
1989

Return to Saudi Arabia

Returned to Saudi Arabia after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, initially welcomed as a hero.

Location January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1991
1990

Opposition to US troops

Opposed the Saudi government's decision to allow US troops in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, leading to his exile.

Other August 1, 1990
1991

Moved to Sudan

Relocated to Sudan under the protection of Hassan al-Turabi's National Islamic Front government.

Location May 1, 1991 - May 1, 1996
1994

Saudi citizenship revoked

Saudi Arabia revoked his citizenship due to his opposition activities and support for militant groups.

Other January 1, 1994
1996

Moved to Afghanistan

Moved to Afghanistan under Taliban protection, establishing training camps and strengthening al-Qaeda.

Location May 1, 1996

First fatwas issued

Issued his first fatwa declaring war against the United States, calling for attacks on American military personnel.

Other August 23, 1996
1998

Second major fatwa

Issued fatwa calling for the killing of Americans and their allies, escalating his terrorist campaign.

Other February 23, 1998

Embassy bombings

Orchestrated simultaneous bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing 224 people and injuring thousands.

Other August 7, 1998
2000

USS Cole bombing

Orchestrated the bombing of USS Cole in Yemen, killing 17 American sailors and nearly sinking the destroyer.

Other October 12, 2000
2001

September 11 attacks

Orchestrated the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people.

Other September 11, 2001

US invasion of Afghanistan

The US invaded Afghanistan following 9/11, targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban government that harbored bin Laden.

Other October 7, 2001

Escape from Tora Bora

Escaped from Tora Bora cave complex in Afghanistan, evading capture by US and Afghan forces.

Other December 16, 2001
2002

Years in hiding

Spent nearly a decade in hiding, moving between safe houses and continuing to lead al-Qaeda operations.

Other January 1, 2002 - May 1, 2011
2005

Compound in Abbottabad

Lived in a specially built compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, with his family and bodyguards.

Location January 1, 2005 - May 2, 2011
2011

Death

Killed by US Navy SEALs during Operation Neptune Spear at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, at age 54.

Other May 2, 2011

Burial at sea

Body was buried at sea from USS Carl Vinson within 24 hours of his death, following Islamic burial practices.

Other May 2, 2011

Al-Qaeda succession

Ayman al-Zawahiri succeeded him as leader of al-Qaeda, though the organization was significantly weakened.

Other June 16, 2011