Model of Osama bin Laden Abbottabad Compound

CBS 60 Minutes donated the model of Osama bin Laden’s Compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan to the Museum in 2012. The model was used in the “Killing bin Laden” segment by Scott Pelley that aired on September 9, 2012.

The model depicts the compound known to locals in Abbottabad as ” the Waziristan Haveli.” “Haveli” means “mansion” in Pashtun and Waziristan is a region in Pakistan. It is believed that the compound was owned by a shipping magnate based out of Waziristan. The house was built in 2005. Bin Laden is believed to have moved in around January, 2006.

Osama bin Laden was killed in Waziristan Haveli on 2 May 2011, shortly after 1:00 am local time by a United States Special Forces military unit, which Vice President Joe Biden publicly revealed the day after the raid to have been US Navy SEALs.

Hundreds of people sent notes and letters to the Museum in the days after the raid was announced to praise the SEALs and thank them for their heroism.