Former CIA official: US will likely release photos of bin Laden to prove he's dead

A former senior CIA official said Monday that the U.S. will likely release photos of Osama bin Laden's body.

During an appearance on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" program, Michael Scheuer cited conspiracy theories as a leading reason why the government will probably release the photographs.

"I think they will be forced to put out the pictures," said Scheuer, who headed the initial CIA unit aimed at capturing or killing the terrorist mastermind.

The U.S. released photos of Saddam Hussein after the former Iraqi leader was hanged in 2006.

Scheuer said he was initially surprised by the decision to bury bin Laden at sea. But on further reflection, Scheuer said, "I think they did the right thing."

Scheur noted that Saudi Arabia declined a U.S. offer to take bin Laden's body. Bin Laden was born in Saudi Arabia.

He added that the news of bin Laden's demise could lead to violent attacks within Saudi Arabia.

---