CIA Official Reveals How Osama Escaped Tora Bora, Fooled US Army With Disguise

International News: Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has made explosive revelations about Osama bin Laden’s escape from Tora Bora in 2001. According to him, US forces had surrounded Al-Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan’s rugged mountains after the 9/11 attacks. American intelligence believed they were on the brink of capturing the mastermind of the deadliest terror attack in US history. But what happened next exposed deep flaws in the mission and changed the war on terror forever.

How Did The US Get Deceived?

Kiriakou explained that the translator working with General Tommy Franks, head of US Central Command, was secretly an Al-Qaeda operative. This translator misled the Americans, saying bin Laden requested until dawn to evacuate women and children before surrendering. Trusting the claim, the US held back. By morning, the caves of Tora Bora were empty. Bin Laden and his fighters had vanished, leaving US forces shocked and humiliated.

The Great Escape Of Osama

Detailing the escape, Kiriakou said Osama dressed as a woman and slipped away in the back of a pickup truck. Under the cover of darkness, he crossed into Pakistan. The man responsible for killing 3,000 Americans on September 11 had outsmarted the world’s most powerful military. His escape showed how vulnerable even the best-equipped forces could be when deception and intelligence failures collide.

Why Did Osama Hide In Pakistan?

After fleeing Afghanistan, Osama found sanctuary in Pakistan, where he remained hidden for nearly a decade. The US hunted him relentlessly but could not locate his hideout for years. Finally, in May 2011, American Navy SEALs stormed a compound in Abbottabad and killed him in a secret operation. The raid shocked Pakistan, as its government was unaware such a mission was being carried out on its soil.

What Was Musharraf’s Role?

Kiriakou also targeted Pakistan’s then-president Pervez Musharraf. He claimed Washington “purchased” Musharraf by providing billions in military and economic aid. According to him, the US prefers dictators because they eliminate the complications of public opinion and media scrutiny. Musharraf allegedly allowed the Americans to act freely on Pakistani territory, while also balancing his own domestic political pressures.

How Much Did The US Pay?

The former CIA officer said millions of dollars were funneled to Pakistan every week during that period. Regular meetings with Musharraf ensured America had the green light to operate. Yet, Washington remained uneasy. Many within Pakistan’s intelligence community were believed to have ties with Al-Qaeda. This double game meant the US could never fully trust its ally, even as it relied heavily on Islamabad’s support.

What Truths Are Emerging Now?

Kiriakou’s revelations reignite debate over America’s reliance on Pakistan during the war on terror. The escape of Osama bin Laden and his long hideout in Pakistan raise troubling questions about complicity and betrayal. Was the US naive in trusting Musharraf? Or was Pakistan playing both sides for survival and money? One fact remains clear: the world’s most wanted terrorist slipped through US hands disguised as a woman, a story that continues to haunt Washington’s war on terror legacy.