Osama bin Laden was carrying cash and telephone numbers, indicating that he was prepared to escape his compound at any moment. Top US intelligence officials told Congress yesterday that bin Laden had 500 euros (about $740) as well as two phone numbers sewn into his clothing. Three sources who attended the classified briefing confirm the information to Politico.
CIA Director Leon Panetta divulged the information after being asked why bin Laden wasn't surrounded by more security at his compound. One source explains that bin Laden believed "his network was strong enough he’d get a heads-up" before a US strike, and would have time to flee. Politico notes the fact that bin Laden was not armed also supports that theory. (More Osama bin Laden stories.)