Osama's son 'escaped US raid'

One of Osama bin Laden's sons disappeared the night the US forces attacked the hideout in Abbottabad and shot dead the most-wanted terrorist, according to a report in 'Adelaidenow.com.au'

He is alleged to be bin Laden's youngest son, 19-year-old Hamza, who  has in the past been dubbed as the 'Crown Prince of Terror' and was widely-tipped to succeed his father.

The news of his escape was revealed when bin Laden's wives were interrogated by Pakistani officials, the website added.  

"Officials told ABC News the women had revealed one of the terror leader's sons had not been seen since the raid - but the source did not confirm which one," it reported.

Meanwhile, "another son, 22-year-old Khalid, was confirmed dead by the US military".

Initially, the White House said Hamza was presumed dead, too, although it was not known for certain whether he was inside the compound when US Navy SEALs struck.

Pakistani investigators said it appeared someone was missing from the squalid lair where bin Laden was shot dead.

According to ABC his mother is among the three widows being held by Pakistan intelligence. She is thought to be Khairiah Sabar, who married bin Laden in 1985.

Hamza was widely seen as his father's heir. He had been implicated in the murder of Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto.

He has made at least two appearances in bin Laden's propaganda videos. In one, released in 2001, Hamza wore combat dress and read a poem dedicated to his father’s exploits. In 2005, when he was 15, he featured in a jihadist film shot in a Pakistani tribal area on the Afghan border. He held a semi-automatic assault rifle and was said to have just taken part in a battle against Pakistani security forces. His voice also appeared in a video released on the third anniversary of London's 7/7 bombings, calling for the destruction of the US, Britain, France and Denmark.

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