Soldier builds replica bin Laden compound out of gingerbread

An Army Officer stationed in North Carolina has constructed a replica of the hideout Osama bin Laden used in Pakistan.

Revealing only his first name, Steve used 63 pieces of gingerbread, two full sandwich bags of icing, candy canes and Legos.

He even added a toy helicopter outside the compound to show the crash helicopter used by Navy SEAL Team 6.

The idea came about when Steve and some friends started a gingerbread building competition.

Steve had never baked before, but was guided through it with help from his wife and mother. He researched for a few days before beginning the project. He researched gingerbread recipes and searched the web for images of the compound.

Pictures of the tasty-terrorist lair Steve calls “Gingerbottabad” were posted on Twitter just before the new year. Steve is now anxiously awaiting the reveal of his competitor’s version.

Laura, the other builder, has construction and engineering experience from her time in Iraq, so she feels she has a slight edge over Steve.

Rushing to finish, Laura remains confident that she will win the competition. Judging by Steve's photos, she's got her work cut out for her.