Top US commander says goal still to take bin Laden alive, despite attorney general’s testimony

US military: Goal still to capture bin Laden alive

WASHINGTON — The top NATO commander says U.S. troops would try to capture Osama bin Laden alive and “bring him to justice,” if the opportunity presented itself.

The comment by Gen. Stanley McChrystal to reporters on Wednesday was in contrast to remarks made a day earlier by Attorney General Eric Holder. Holder told Congress that the chances of capturing the al-Qaida leader alive were “infinitesimal” because he would probably be killed first by U.S. forces, or by one of his own fighters.

When asked whether the U.S. had given up on capturing bin Laden alive, McChrystal said no. He said the goal of arresting bin Laden alive “is something that is understood by everyone.”