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Bin Laden in Pakistan: CIA Head

Finding leader remains 'major priority,' he says

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Jun 11, 2009 1:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – Osama bin Laden is still in Pakistan and his arrest remains a top priority for the US, CIA Director Leon Panetta said today, adding that joint operations with Pakistani forces could finally net al-Qaeda’s top leader. The CIA has Pakistani informants that keep it abreast of terrorist targets there, and continues to monitor safe havens in Somalia and Yemen, Reuters reports.

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This 1998 file photo shows Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. (AP Photo)

CIA Director Leon Panetta says bin Laden is believed to still be in Pakistan. (AP Photo)

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One of our hopes is that the Pakistanis move in militarily, combined with our operations, we may be able to have a better chance.
- Leon Panetta, CIA Director

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Bin Laden in Pakistan: CIA Head