Extreme Authentication
Exactly how did they confirm it was Bin Laden’s body?
Officials compared the DNA of the person killed at the Abbottabad compound with the bin Laden “family DNA” to determine that the 9/11 mastermind had in fact been killed, a senior administration official said.
It was not clear how many different family members’ samples were compared or whose DNA was used.
[…]
Also to identify bin Laden, a visual ID was made. There were photo comparisons and other facial recognition used to identify him, the official said. A second official said that in addition to DNA, there was full biometric analysis of facial and body features.
EDITED TO ADD (5/5): A better article.
David Leppik • May 5, 2011 1:02 PM
Ultimately, I think the only authentication that matters is this: Al Qaeda hasn’t claimed that he’s still alive. If he were still breathing, he would have issued a press release.