Project WTF

[Twin-Skies]

In Bogotá, 'Osama' works to keep streets safe

In most parts of the Western world, the figure of Osama bin Laden inspires fear and loathing. But in one Bogotá neighborhood, "Osama" is now a symbol of protection and safety.

Wearing a turban fashioned out of a strip of white, eyeleted cloth and sporting a long gray beard streaked with white, Colombia's "Osama" patrols one of central Bogotá's most dangerous neighborhoods carrying a stick and a homemade machete. He's not an Islamic militant, or a Muslim. But his presence draws gratitude from residents and the prostitutes who work here.

Born to a Saudi father and a Colombian mother, Bogotá's "bin Laden" introduces himself as "Hasmed bek Hassan Hischter," though he's also gone by Fernando Aguirre. He has been patrolling these dark streets and alleys for 13 years. But only after Sept. 11, 2001 – when someone noticed he bore an uncanny resemblance to the Al Qaeda leader – did he take on the appearance of Mr. bin Laden.

"I saw pictures of him in magazines and on TV. I let my beard grow and people would say to me, 'You look just like him, just like Osama.' "

Mr. Aguirre – who says his mother left Saudi Arabia with him when he was just 8 months old – jokes that the resemblance may be more than a coincidence. "Sometimes when I see his image I think he's my father," he says.

Until Sept. 11, he had never heard of Al Qaeda or its leader. At the time, he was patrolling the streets of the Santa Fe neighborhood in a black balaclava and a black uniform, leading a Rottweiler on a leash. Residents then called him "the Ninja."

But after Sept. 11, he changed his costume, and became known as "Osama." That made his work easier, he says. "People respect Osama more than the Ninja," he laughs.

Aguirre cooperates with the city police, but claims he has single-handedly captured two hit men and 10 thieves. He himself has been arrested twice, by rookie cops who, he says, don't realize he's on their side. Both times he was released without charge.