Osama bin Laden received a Muslim ceremony as he was buried at sea

(Jan. 22, 2011) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. Image: 110122-N-7981E-215.jpg (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

5/2/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Osama bin Laden received a Muslim ceremony as he was buried at sea, a senior defense official said here May 2. The religious rites were performed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the North Arabian Sea, the official said, and occurred within 24 hours of the terrorist leader's death. "Preparations for at-sea (burial) began at 1:10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and were completed at 2 a.m.," the official said. The burial followed traditional Muslim burial customs, the official said, and bin Laden's body was washed and placed in a white sheet.

"The body was placed in a weighted bag. A military officer read prepared religious remarks, which were translated into Arabic by a native speaker," the official added.

Afterward, bin Laden's body was placed onto a flat board, which was then elevated upward on one side and the body slid off into the sea.

The deceased terrorist was buried at sea because no country would accept bin Laden's remains, a senior defense official said.

CIA and Defense Department officials are sure it was the body of bin Laden. CIA specialists compared photos of the body with known photos of bin Laden and said with 95-percent certainty it was the terrorist leader, a senior intelligence official said.

In addition, the intelligence official said, bin Laden's wife identified the al-Qaida leader by name while the strike team was still in the compound.

CIA and other specialists in the intelligence community "performed the initial DNA analysis matching a virtually 100-percent DNA match of the body against the DNA of several of bin Laden's family members," the official added.

TEXT CREDIT: AF.mil - News: by Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

IMAGE CREDIT: Navy News Service - Eye on the Fleet Current Collection

Tim Huelskamp, issued the following statement upon hearing that Osama bin Laden had been killed by American forces:

"Justice Has Been Served" - Statement on Death of Osama Bin Laden Congressman Tim Huelskamp, who represents the First District of Kansas, issued the following statement upon hearing that Osama bin Laden had been killed by American forces: "Almost ten years ago, America was attacked by those who despise liberty and freedom. Last night, we received word that the mastermind of the horror perpetuated on America is dead. This victory is a testament to the skill and persistence of American military and intelligence operations." "While we have much to celebrate, it is important to keep in mind that there are still those who want to see America weakened or destroyed. America must remain steadfast in Her resolve and committed to defending Her freedom both at home and abroad."

"The events of September 11 will be forever etched in the minds and hearts of all Americans. Today, justice has been served. May it be a step toward healing the wounds of families of patriots who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of freedom."

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT Congressman Tim Huelskamp: Washington, DC 126 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2715 Fax: (202) 225-5124 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM Eastern time.

IMAGE CREDIT: This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the US Code.