As per the Pakistan Army Board of Enquiry, which deposed before the Abbottabad Commission, the US stealth helicopters were probably guided by ground operators who were already in place around bin Laden's compound.
"In this regard there were reports of 'suspicious activities' indicating CIA ground support for the planning and implementation of the raid," said the Commission report, leaked by Al Jazeera channel.
"The US embassy personnel coming from Islamabad and seen headed towards Abbottabad may have been CIA agents to assist the helicopters," the Commission report added.
In a separate section, dealing with the question about the possibility of CIA network on the ground supporting the raid, the report said, "There were in all probability a fairly extensive network. One network would have been for the location of OBL's hideout, and another would be to confirm whether or not he was actually hiding there".
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
