Amid the discussion over the film's accuracy (which even triggered a Senate investigation into the CIA's cooperation with Biglelow), the Navy SEAL who fired those three critical shots into bin Laden has for the first time ever relayed his account of what happened, including its aftermath, in a profile by Phil Bronstein for Esquire. Bronstein reported the story in conjunction with the Center for Investigative Reporting, which has released an 18-minute film version of the Navy SEAL's gripping story. The film is relayed in graphic novel format and narrated by a voice actor to protect the shooter's anonymity.

Watch it below:

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Islamists with the Masked Brigade, who have been speaking through a Mauritanian news outlet, said the Algerians opened fire as the militants tried to leave the vast Ain Amenas energy complex with their hostages a day after seizing the installation deep in the desert.

Algerian forces had surrounded the complex in a tense standoff since the plant was seized early Wednesday and had vowed not to negotiate with the kidnappers, who reportedly were seeking safe passage.

President Barack Obama's government offered military assistance Wednesday to help rescue the hostages, but the Algerian government refused, a U.S. official said in Washington. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the offer.

Information about the 41 foreign hostages the militants claimed to have — including seven Americans — was scarce and conflicting. All were reportedly workers at the remote plant.

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