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CNN Live Today

Detention of bin Laden Body Guards Suggests His Death

Aired July 30, 2002 - 13:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Now, to the war on terrorism. As we reported a little earlier, unnamed officials of the U.S. government say there is another indication that Osama bin Laden may be dead.

For that story, we turn now to CNN Justice Correspondent Kelli Arena. She is in Washington -- Kelli, what can you tell us?

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, sources tell CNN that members of bin Laden's security detail have been captured, and are among the detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Now, the thinking is, if the bodyguards were captured away from Osama, it's likely that he is dead. But the sources would not say when the men were taken into custody and they add that Osama's security detail is quite large. Nonetheless, the revelation is the latest circumstantial evidence suggesting the al Qaeda leada (ph) -- leader may have been killed as a result of U.S. military action.

Now, other anecdotal evidence includes a complete lack of any communication from Osama bin Laden or any sightings of him. But sources point out there is no body either, or anyone saying that they witnessed his death. The bottom line here, Kyra, no one knows, but the circumstantial evidence sure is building up -- back to you.

PHILLIPS: Now, Kelli, what are these reports about bin Laden's son taking over? What can you tell us about that?

ARENA: Well, Kyra, Saad bin Laden, who is Osama's third eldest son, he is 21 years old. There have been some reports suggesting that he moved up in the ranks, and I have to tell you, sources have told CNN that that is just not the case. There is absolutely no evidence to support that Saad has moved up any within the ranks.

They describe him as a lieutenant, they say that he is known to U.S. intelligence. He is what is called a facilitator. He deals in money management. He gets things started, brings people together. They say that that role has been his role for some time, that that has not changed, that he is someone that obviously they would like to have in custody to question, but that he has not become a top priority, so while it's a very glamorous story to try to grab on to, you know, son moved higher within the al Qaeda ranks, it's just simply not there, Kyra. It's just not happening.

PHILLIPS: All right. Kelli Arena. Thank you.

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