The Osama bin Laden Files: Letters and Documents Discovered by SEAL Team Six During Their Raid on bin Laden's Compound

“An intriguing glimpse into the aging al-Qaeda leader’s thoughts as his life neared its end.” —Washington Post

“A sort of anthropology of a terror network.” —The New York Times

“A rare, often fascinating glimpse of al-Qaeda and its leadership.” —BBC News

On May 2, 2011, US Navy SEALs and CIA operatives raided the secret compound of Osama bin Laden, killing the founder of the jihadist militant group al-Qaeda, which was responsible for the tragedies of September 11, 2001. A year after his death, documents and personal correspondence by bin Laden found in the compound have been made public for the first time, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most infamous terrorists in world history.

A treasure trove of documents, including correspondence between bin Laden and other al-Qaeda leaders, have been translated from Arabic, accompanied by analysis and background information from members of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. The Osama bin Laden Diaries details the decision making behind one of the most nefarious terrorist organizations of all time.