Bin Laden's Death Yields Flood Of New Al Qaeda Intel
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Law enforcement, counter-terrorist operatives and intelligence agencies are poring over a treasure trove of intelligence recovered at Osama bin Laden's compound, Kathryn Brown reports.
The hope is that somewhere in that pile of information they can learn what else Al Qaeda might be planning.
Area officials have stepped up security in and around New York City, widely regarded as the primary target for terrorists.
Along with documents taken from the compound, Navy SEALs recovered personal computers, thumb drives and electronic equipment.
The CIA was poring over the data, searching for new leads about future attacks or other high-ranking members of al Qaeda.
Osama bin Laden's most trusted courier was the key to his downfall, top military officials say. Acting on a series of tips, intelligence agents identified and began tracking the courier last summer.
They said he was meticulous, turning off his cell phone and removing the battery each time he neared the million-dollar compound where the jihadist mastermind was living.
After nearly 10 months, military leaders cracked the code, swooped in with a team of highly-trained Navy SEALS and carried out orders to kill or capture the world's most wanted terrorist.
"What we see in this compound is different than anything we've ever seen before," said John Brennan, White House Counterterrorism Advisor.
President Obama and members of his national security team watched live from the situation room until the president finally said "We got him."
"A murderer is dead and justice has been done," added Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
Military leaders confirm bin Laden was shot in the head and the chest. His body was first identified by one of his wives, then matched using DNA and facial recognition technology.
He was then buried at sea.
Pentagon officials said a videotape of that burial as well as a picture of his body could be released soon.
"There will be mounting pressure to release more proof since the body is now gone," said Juan Zerate, CBS News National Security Analyst.
