Pakistan razes Bin Laden compound

ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan — Local residents say Pakistan has started to demolish the compound in the northwest city of Abbottabad where Osama bin Laden lived for years and was killed by U.S. commandos last May.

Two residents say the government brought in three mechanized backhoes Saturday afternoon and began destroying the tall outer walls of the compound after sunset.

They set up floodlights to carry out the work.

The residents spoke on condition of anonymity because they were afraid of being harassed by government authorities.

Pakistani officials could not immediately be reached for comment on the demolition.

The compound has been a painful reminder for Pakistan, which was embarrassed by the unilateral U.S. operation that killed bin Laden.