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Afghanistan
'French troops saw Osama twice'
2006-12-21
A documentary says French special forces had Osama bin Laden in their sights twice about three years ago but their US superiors never ordered them to fire. The French military, however, said that the incidents never happened and the report was “erroneous information”.
And all it would have taken was an American order to fire. Sure, I believe that ...
The documentary, due to air next year, says the troops could have killed the Al Qaeda leader in Afghanistan but the order to shoot never came, possibly because it took too long to request it. “In 2003 and 2004 we had bin Laden in our sights. The sniper said ‘I have bin Laden’,” an anonymous French soldier is quoted as saying.
Just ask his wife, Morgan Fairchild.
The documentary ‘Bin Laden, the failings of a manhunt’ is by journalists Emmanuel Razavi and Eric de Lavarene, who have worked for several major French media outlets in Afghanistan. A cable television channel plans to air the documentary in March.
Posted by:Fred

#8  That seems unlikely, DMFD, as long they aimed above the waistline.
Posted by: Jackal   2006-12-21 19:46  

#7  French special forces had Osama bin Laden in their sights twice about three years ago

They didn't fire cause they were afraid they'd hit Jacques Chirac.
Posted by: DMFD   2006-12-21 17:36  

#6  Somehow I think there would be a special article to the rules of engagement that said if it is Osama, and you know it is Osama, shoot him. Shoot him center mass so we can identify the head and so you don't miss. Call the Americans afterwards to collect your reward.
Posted by: rjschwarz   2006-12-21 13:06  

#5  Because the French are so good at following American orders (or even their own orders).

The headline should read:
French troops saw Osama twice (and invited him for dinner)

Al
Posted by: Frozen Al   2006-12-21 12:51  

#4  I was about fight the Nazi's, but the order never came to do so.
Posted by: Jesing Ebbease3087   2006-12-21 10:42  

#3  "Look, there's Osama!"

"Yeah - and isn't that Morgan Fairchild with him?..."
Posted by: mojo   2006-12-21 10:03  

#2  I am more curious about where and when and what organizational structure resulted in "French special forces" with US superiors (by which I assume they mean commanders). I am not sure that there has been much in the way of joint US French military activity since de Gaulle had his tantrum in the 60's.
Posted by: RWV   2006-12-21 09:18  

#1  I'd still like to find out what induced Osama's shy, LT girlfriend and alleged sex concubine to bear her breasts like Janet Jackson. D *** ng you, WHITNEY, we're waiting.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2006-12-21 00:42  

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