U.S. military: Goal is still to capture Bin Laden alive

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The top NATO commander says U.S. troops would try to capture Osama bin Laden alive and “bring him to justice,” if the opportunity presented itself.

The comment by Gen. Stanley McChrystal to reporters on Wednesday was in contrast to remarks made a day earlier by Atty. Gen. Eric Holder. Holder told Congress that the chances of capturing the Al Qaeda leader alive were “infinitesimal” because he would probably be killed first by U.S. forces, or by one of his own fighters.

When asked whether the U.S. had given up on capturing Bin Laden alive, McChrystal said no. He said the goal of arresting Bin Laden alive “is something that is understood by everyone.”

-- Associated Press