Report: DNA test verified bin Laden's identity

By RICHARD LARDNER
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secret budget documents show that a U.S. military laboratory in Afghanistan analyzed DNA from Osama bin Laden's corpse and confirmed his identify shortly after he was killed by a Navy SEAL team.

The Pentagon denied more than a year ago it had any records of these tests in a response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by The Associated Press a day after President Barack Obama announced bin Laden's death.

The Washington Post reported Thursday that classified intelligence budget files provided by National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden state that a forensic intelligence laboratory run by the Defense Intelligence Agency performed the DNA testing.

The Post reports that the tests "provided a conclusive match."

Bin Laden was killed at his Pakistan hideout in May 2011.

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