Osama bin Laden's Milestones
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.
Birth
Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden and Alia Ghanem.
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.
Early religious influence
Became increasingly religious during his university years, influenced by Islamic scholars and fundamentalist teachings.
First marriage
Married his first wife, Najwa Ghanem, a Syrian woman and his first cousin, at age 17.
King Abdulaziz University
Studied economics and public administration at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Soviet-Afghan War involvement
Traveled to Afghanistan to support the mujahideen fighting against the Soviet occupation, providing funding and eventually fighting.
Maktab al-Khidamat founded
Co-founded Maktab al-Khidamat (Services Office) with Abdullah Azzam to recruit and fund foreign fighters in Afghanistan.
Al-Qaeda formation
Founded al-Qaeda (The Base) as a militant Islamist organization, evolving from his Afghan war network.
Return to Saudi Arabia
Returned to Saudi Arabia after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, initially welcomed as a hero.
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.
Moved to Sudan
Relocated to Sudan under the protection of Hassan al-Turabi's National Islamic Front government.
Saudi citizenship revoked
Saudi Arabia revoked his citizenship due to his opposition activities and support for militant groups.
Moved to Afghanistan
Moved to Afghanistan under Taliban protection, establishing training camps and strengthening al-Qaeda.
First fatwas issued
Issued his first fatwa declaring war against the United States, calling for attacks on American military personnel.
Second major fatwa
Issued fatwa calling for the killing of Americans and their allies, escalating his terrorist campaign.
Embassy bombings
Orchestrated simultaneous bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing 224 people and injuring thousands.
USS Cole bombing
Orchestrated the bombing of USS Cole in Yemen, killing 17 American sailors and nearly sinking the destroyer.
September 11 attacks
Orchestrated the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people.
US invasion of Afghanistan
The US invaded Afghanistan following 9/11, targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban government that harbored bin Laden.
Escape from Tora Bora
Escaped from Tora Bora cave complex in Afghanistan, evading capture by US and Afghan forces.
Years in hiding
Spent nearly a decade in hiding, moving between safe houses and continuing to lead al-Qaeda operations.
Compound in Abbottabad
Lived in a specially built compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, with his family and bodyguards.
Death
Killed by US Navy SEALs during Operation Neptune Spear at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, at age 54.
Burial at sea
Body was buried at sea from USS Carl Vinson within 24 hours of his death, following Islamic burial practices.
Al-Qaeda succession
Ayman al-Zawahiri succeeded him as leader of al-Qaeda, though the organization was significantly weakened.