Osama Bin Laden Raid Included Bomb-Sniffing Dog Strapped To Commando

While much about the daring raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan remains secret, one detail that has slipped out is the commando team included a bomb-sniffing dog.

The heroic canine was strapped to a member of the SEAL team as he lowered himself and the dog to the ground from a hovering helicopter near the compound, according to The Sun.

Heavily armoured hounds — equipped with infrared night-sight cameras — have been used in the past by the top-secret unit.

The war dogs wear ballistic body armour that is said to withstand damage from single and double-edged knives, as well as protective gear which shields them from shrapnel and gunfire.

GlobalAnimal.org speculates that the breed of dog in this mission was most likely a German Shepherd.

More likely, the dog on the bin Laden operation would have been a smaller German Shepherd with a highly specific mission. Some dogs are trained to silently locate booby traps and concealed enemies such as snipers. The dog’s keen senses of smell and hearing would make him or her far more effective at detecting these dangers than humans. The best scout dogs are described as having a disposition between docile tracking dogs and aggressive attack dogs.

For more information on American war dogs, click here. The dogs are available for adoption after their term of service is over.

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RELATED: What good is the intel found at Osama bin Laden's compound?

Comments

[femmyror]

09:45 AM on 05/07/2011

I *heart* dogs with jobs! And this one was strapped to a soldier and lowered down from a helicopter... into Bin Laden's compound? That's badass man.

[chef151]

07:02 AM on 05/06/2011

I think LOLcats would have been a better choice. Perhaps it was a lack of cheezburgers in abattabad that made them choose the dogs instead?

[kgb41bell]

06:58 PM on 05/05/2011

They had to take the dog. He's not house broke yet.

[mrst2328]

04:55 PM on 05/05/2011

I've seen these dogs at a show, very impressive!

[ldmcivor]

04:54 PM on 05/05/2011

Canine Hero

[Alexis Elizabeth Drob]

05:18 PM on 05/05/2011

Coward!!

[mdog002]

04:47 PM on 05/05/2011

oh bin laden remember this....dog spelled backwards is GOD!!!! See you in Hell

[mastheader1]

04:37 PM on 05/05/2011

I have a war dog memorial on my property next to a bike trail ,most people enjoy it

[tallen]

04:36 PM on 05/05/2011

Great photo essay on these magnificent dogs

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/05/04/war_dog?page=0,1

[atokageneral]

05:19 PM on 05/05/2011

no just yo' momma

[chef151]

07:00 AM on 05/06/2011

Worst zinger ever

[mr152]

04:22 PM on 05/05/2011

I wonder why they don't use commando cats in these raids?

[ldmcivor]

04:55 PM on 05/05/2011

LOL

[project cooper]

06:02 PM on 05/05/2011

I was thinking more on the order of commando seals, just like their name.

[jmb515]

04:04 PM on 05/05/2011

I understand they can not release the dog's name due to security reasons. He will just be referred to as dog number 1.

[mykittywinks]

03:54 PM on 05/05/2011

Got a clue for ya SEALS don't use dogs.... USN Ret.

[Conga]

12:35 AM on 05/06/2011

Uh...from last year:


http://blog.usnavyseals.com/2010/08/seal-dogs-get-the-best-gear-too.html


A SEAL mission always includes the best possible gear, which means that it is not just the SEALs, but their four-legged buddies as well, that get the best gadgets.

A feature on the Navy Times shares an announcement from the Naval Special Warfare Group 1 based in San Diego, regarding its intention to acquire four high-tech canine tactical vests from K9 Storm, a company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, called the Intruder vest. Company owner Jim Slater shared the features of the vest.

[AngelaBfla]

03:05 PM on 05/05/2011

What is that in his mouth??

[markplathom]

04:03 PM on 05/05/2011

A chew toy attached to a rope. It's better to reward a service dog with toys rather than treats, otherwise he gets fat.

[fasassvalkf6]

05:51 PM on 05/05/2011

Funny looking chew toy !

[HelloCobweb]

11:33 PM on 05/05/2011

It's called a "bumper," and as MarkPlathom mentioned it's a toy. They are usually used to teach hunting dogs and dock dogs to fetch, and come in a variety of (bird-approximating) sizes.

They're inexpensive, durable, and don't roll as far as a ball (easier to control and safer to throw when near buildings, roads, etc), which makes them a good choice of "play reward" for working dogs. And they're not as messy as treats, generally speaking. Hope that helped!

[Onthemove1952]

02:45 PM on 05/05/2011

This makes me see red!! NOT NECESSARY!!! Human beings know why they are there and have a choice in the matter. Leave our innocent animals out of harms way. They do not have a voice. Stupid humans!!!

[glockman]

03:50 PM on 05/05/2011

You underestimate the joy dogs find in human company. Dogs choose to be with humans as much as we choose to be with them.

[LarrBerr]

04:37 PM on 05/05/2011

Exactly! There is also a mentality with dogs that they want and need to feel useful, like they have a duty. That's why dogs make such great service animals. My dog feels like he is fulfilling his duty by running the squirrels out of the yard, which I could care less about, but he looks so proud when he does it, because he thinks that is his duty.

[Onthemove1952]

09:26 AM on 05/08/2011

Canine companionship is my preferred type!! They enjoy our company as a domesticated species with their love, loyalty and affection. But we simply cannot take adavantage of them and place them in harm's way. We cannot exploit them along with other "human"sport.....keep them at home.

[Alexis Elizabeth Drob]

05:19 PM on 05/05/2011

Im with you onthemove, I totally agree 100%!!!

[bcunnin679]

07:34 PM on 05/05/2011

If you could sniff, they may of taken you instead. Want to volunteer?

[AmericanURNOT]

02:41 PM on 05/05/2011

sit UBU sit...good dog.

Dogs rule.