Pakistan 'Told US About Osama Home In 2009'

From Alex Crawford, special correspondent, in Abbottabad

Pakistan government and intelligence services have insisted they shared key information about Osama bin Laden's compound up to two years ago with their American counterparts.

Video-Skepticism in Pakistan Over bin Laden Fate

A senior ISI source insisted they shared information with the CIA:

That the terror leader's wife and sons were living at the compound in Abbottabad in the north-west of Pakistan, six months ago and that it is a result of the shared information that Osama bin Laden has been killed.
Protesters in Pakistan demonstrate against the bin Laden killing

The CIA and the US administration have long held suspicions that there are elements within the ISI who are supporting militant groups, including al Qaeda.

They believe an exchange of critical information before the US Navy Seal operation would have jeopardised their chances of success, that is, bin Laden would have been tipped off and escaped.

Pakistan's prime minister defended his country's failure to spot that bin Laden was hiding out near the capital Islamabad, saying that fighting terrorism was the whole world's responsibility.

The Pakistan foreign office has said it has "deep concerns and reservations" about the US operation which ended in the death of an unarmed bin Laden.

The government warned that the controversial raid should not set a precedent and may sometimes "constitute a threat to international peace and security".

Meanwhile, the compound has once again been sealed off for inspection and examination by a senior intelligence team and the head of the ISI, General Pasha, is believed to be intending to personally visit the site.

But now, check points have been re-imposed, with searches being undertaken of residents in the town.

The renewed security comes after the man who purchased the land in Pakistan where bin Laden's compound was built, was arrested.

It is believe that Gul Mohammed was taken into custody by police and will be interrogated by intelligence agents about the property.