Details of Osama Bin Laden Raid Emerge [DETAILS]

New details of the raid on Osama Bin Laden's million-dollar compound in Pakistan are coming to light in the days following the operation. The following reports come from CNN televised coverage and White House statements about the Navy SEALs mission that removed Bin Laden from the earthly realm, and sent his body to the fathoms below the surface of the Arabian Sea. See portions of video from the raid here (video also linked below).

Details of Osama Bin Laden Raid Reveal Intense Preparation For 40-Minute Firefight

So, how did we do it? That is the question of the hour. According to the White House, President Obama, acting on leads that go as far back as last summer, determined where Bin Laden was hiding. Then, the Navy SEALs Team 6 was put on notice. Navy SEALs Team 6 is made up of the elite of the elite, the best of the best, according to CNN's Anderson Cooper. Handpicked for their roles in the Osama Bin Laden raid, the 20-40 unnamed men that make up Team 6 are experts in close-quarter combat, and rehearsed the raid up to 100 times at two mock-ups of the target compound. (The exact number of tactical personnel sent in to assist in the raid is conflicted at this time. These estimates are from CNN.)

VIDEO: Click For Portions Of Osama Raid Video, Footage of Compound

Using two helicopters and a back-up (which was needed when one chopper went down - no injuries), Navy SEALs Team 6 infiltrated the Bin Laden compound. A gun battle played out, with exchanges of fire and several of Bin Laden's associates killed on the first floor of the primary building before the SEALs reached Bin Laden himself on the second floor. Bin Laden was killed by two gunshots: one to the chest, and one to the left side of his head. Though he was unarmed, he "resisted" in some manner before being put down.

After grabbing as much intelligence information as they could in the form of computers, hard drives and memory sticks, the SEALs took Bin Laden's body back to the helicopter and flew to the aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson. There, Bin Laden's body was prepared for burial at sea, and deposited into the ocean.

CLICK FOR MORE: CIA Says Osama Death Photos Will Be Released

The raid on Osama Bin Laden's compound that played out Sunday, and lasted a mere 40 minutes or so, came only after nearly ten years of hunting for him. Many people are asking how Pakistani officials and citizens were unaware Bin Laden was holed up in such a populated area for up to five years. The likely answer? They were aware! Luckily, we didn't bother to clear this operation with the Pakistanis before taking action, or we would probably be searching another ten years!

The Taliban claims they will seek revenge for the death of their leader. CNN reported Tuesday a Taliban representative stated, "Our people are already in America, and we are sending more". At the same time, CNN says many in the Taliban and in the Arab world say they still don't believe Bin Laden is dead. (We think a quick peek at a photo of Osama's dead body could clear that denial right up for them!)

The White House has confirmed that President Obama was listening to and perhaps watching the raid as it happened. When Bin Laden was killed, President Obama heard the voice of a Navy SEAL say, "Geronimo, EKIA". This meant, "Osama Bin Laden located and neutralized, Enemy Killed In Action." Mission accomplished!

Sources:

CNN televised reports

White House reports of Osama Bin Laden raid