An abandoned strip man near Shanksville Pennsylvania is now home to the largest memorial related to the 9/11 terror attacks.

9/11 Terror Attacks: A tribute to 40 brave Americans

September 11 marks the 20th year of the deadly 9/11 attacks in the US. Joe Biden paid tribute to victims of 9/11 terror attacks.

FBI releases declassified 9/11 document

America is paying tribute to those who were killed on 11 September 2001. 20 years ago the United States witnessed the worst terrorist attack on its soil. Three planes crashed into landmark American buildings. The fourth hijacked plane was bravely diverted by the people on board crashing into an abandoned stripmine in Pennsylvania. That day, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives.

America remembers 9/11 on 20th anniversary

The sister of a fireman who lost his life in the gruesome 9/11 attacks is still waiting for the justice of brother’s untimely death.

Elizabeth Berry is struggling to get justice for her brother, fire Captain Billy Burkes, who lost his life while trying to save other people present in the building.

Burkes was a part-time lifeguard and a fireman. On September 11, 2001 he received a call about a gruesome attack on the World Trade Center in New York. As his team reached the 27th floor, they saw the south tower collapse too and Burkes immediately commanded his team to evacuate the area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-calls-for-unity-on-the-eve-of-911-attacks-412232">US President Joe Biden calls for unity on the eve of 9/11 attacks</a>

However, the brave fireman stayed back to help the remaining people in the building. Sadly, Burkes, along with his evacuees, could not make out of the tower safely.

Since then, his sister has been fighting a trial in the Guantanamo&nbsp;military court.

"I want to see resolution. This event happened 20 years ago. And it had a profound effect on me, on my family and on the families of over 3,000 people," Berry said.

Expressing her frustration over the whole incident and the delayed justice, Berry said, "On the 20th anniversary, this was where I wanted to be because we were going back into pretrial,&nbsp;because I felt a sense of optimism and hope that this will actually move this thing forward."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/911-terror-attacks-us-president-joe-biden-pays-tribute-to-victims-412254">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/911-terror-attacks-us-president-joe-biden-pays-tribute-to-victims-412254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Berry and her husband, Paul Berry, a retired attorney, are fighting for fair depiction of terrorists act and the government’s handling of the whole incident.

"The actions of this country, in how they seek information to stop further actions, is always something that's going to be debated whether it's right or wrong," Paul Berry said. “But we're here to have a&nbsp;trial&nbsp;of the terrorists and the terrorist act. What these terrorists did to murder our family members has to come out, and the world has to see that the government has presented it in enormous detail."

The sister of a fireman who lost his life in the gruesome 9/11 attacks is still waiting for the justice of brother’s untimely death. Elizabeth Berry is struggling to get justice for her brother, fire Captain Billy Burkes, who lost his life while trying to save other people present in the building.

The sister of a fireman who lost his life in the gruesome 9/11 attacks is still waiting for the justice of brother’s untimely death. Elizabeth Berry is struggling to get justice for her brother, fire Captain Billy Burkes, who lost his life while trying to save other people present in the building. Burkes was a part-time lifeguard and a fireman. On September 11, 2001 he received a call about a gruesome attack on the World Trade Center in New York. As his team reached the 27th floor, they saw the south tower collapse too and Burkes immediately commanded his team to evacuate the area. Also read | US President Joe Biden calls for unity on the eve of 9/11 attacks However, the brave fireman stayed back to help the remaining people in the building. Sadly, Burkes, along with his evacuees, could not make out of the tower safely. Since then, his sister has been fighting a trial in the Guantanamo military court. "I want to see resolution. This event happened 20 years ago. And it had a profound effect on me, on my family and on the families of over 3,000 people," Berry said. Expressing her frustration over the whole incident and the delayed justice, Berry said, "On the 20th anniversary, this was where I wanted to be because we were going back into pretrial, because I felt a sense of optimism and hope that this will actually move this thing forward." WATCH | Berry and her husband, Paul Berry, a retired attorney, are fighting for fair depiction of terrorists act and the government’s handling of the whole incident. "The actions of this country, in how they seek information to stop further actions, is always something that's going to be debated whether it's right or wrong," Paul Berry said. “But we're here to have a trial of the terrorists and the terrorist act. What these terrorists did to murder our family members has to come out, and the world has to see that the government has presented it in enormous detail."

Sister of deceased fireman and 9/11 victim fight for justice in Guantanamo

US Vice President Kamala Harris has paid tribute to all passengers and crew members on board Flight 93 who died when the flight crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

9/11 Attack Anniversary: US Vice President Kamala Harris pays tribute to those on Flight 93

Families of the nearly 3,000 people who died on September 11 are gathering at memorial events in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC to mark the 20th anniversary of the horrific attack.

US: Memorial service in remembrance of 9/11 terror attack victims

September 11 marks the 20th year of the deadly 9/11 attacks in the US. Here are glimpses of some of the commemoration ceremonies.

US: Moments of silence to commemorate timings of 9/11 terror attack

Sending out a message of never giving up and solidarity, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson released a video message for the 20th anniversary of the horrifying 9/11 attacks.

Born in New York, Boris Johnson said the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 attacks have failed to destroy Western values. The jihadists, he believes, were unable to shake the western countries’ belief in freedom and democracy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-decades-later-americans-fear-entering-skyscraper-as-memories-of-911-attack-still-haunt-us-410443">Two decades later, Americans fear entering skyscraper as memories of 9/11 attack still haunt US</a>

"We can now say with the perspective of 20 years that they failed to shake our belief in freedom and democracy," he said in the vide message delivered ahead of the anniversary on Saturday.&nbsp;"They failed to drive our nations apart, or cause us to abandon our&nbsp;values, or to live in permanent fear."

He also paid respects to the 67 British nationals who had lost their lives in the gruesome attack. Johnson called it a "symbol of the eternal friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-physical-injuries-to-psychological-trauma-long-term-health-effects-trouble-people-years-after-911-attacks-412096" hreflang="en">From physical injuries to psychological trauma, long-term health effects trouble people years after 9/11 attacks</a>

Even as Afghanistan struggles to breathe freely under the rule of the terrorist organisation, Taliban, Johnson claimed in the video message that terrorism has failed.

"The fact that we are coming together today in sorrow, but also in faith and resolve, demonstrates the failure of terrorism and the strength of the bonds between us."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-911-permanently-altered-lives-of-americans-412127">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-911-permanently-altered-lives-of-americans-412127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also acknowledged the recent victory of Taliban in Afghanistan, but said this takeover can only "strengthen our determination to remember those who were taken from us, cherish the survivors and those who still grieve, and hold fast to our belief in liberty and democracy, which will always prevail over every foe".

The US had also presented a sculpture made of twisted metal debris from the remains of the fallen World Trade Center to the UK, in memory of the horrific attack.

America will mark the 20th anniversary of the gruesome 9/11 attacks on Saturday as the country struggles to evacuate its remaining citizens from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Sending out a message of never giving up and solidarity, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson released a video message for the 20th anniversary of the horrifying 9/11 attacks.

Sending out a message of never giving up and solidarity, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson released a video message for the 20th anniversary of the horrifying 9/11 attacks. Born in New York, Boris Johnson said the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 attacks have failed to destroy Western values. The jihadists, he believes, were unable to shake the western countries’ belief in freedom and democracy. Also read | Two decades later, Americans fear entering skyscraper as memories of 9/11 attack still haunt US "We can now say with the perspective of 20 years that they failed to shake our belief in freedom and democracy," he said in the vide message delivered ahead of the anniversary on Saturday. "They failed to drive our nations apart, or cause us to abandon our values, or to live in permanent fear." He also paid respects to the 67 British nationals who had lost their lives in the gruesome attack. Johnson called it a "symbol of the eternal friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States". Also read | From physical injuries to psychological trauma, long-term health effects trouble people years after 9/11 attacks Even as Afghanistan struggles to breathe freely under the rule of the terrorist organisation, Taliban, Johnson claimed in the video message that terrorism has failed. "The fact that we are coming together today in sorrow, but also in faith and resolve, demonstrates the failure of terrorism and the strength of the bonds between us." WATCH | He also acknowledged the recent victory of Taliban in Afghanistan, but said this takeover can only "strengthen our determination to remember those who were taken from us, cherish the survivors and those who still grieve, and hold fast to our belief in liberty and democracy, which will always prevail over every foe". The US had also presented a sculpture made of twisted metal debris from the remains of the fallen World Trade Center to the UK, in memory of the horrific attack. America will mark the 20th anniversary of the gruesome 9/11 attacks on Saturday as the country struggles to evacuate its remaining citizens from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Terrorists were unable to shake Western values: Boris Johnson says on 9/11 anniversary

Today marks exactly 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks and this remember is an incident that continues to haunt Americans and indeed the rest of the world. Ahead of the 20th anniversary the American President Joe Biden paid tributes to the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks.

9/11 Terror Attacks: Biden to visit the sites where hijacked planes clashed

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, residents of Kabul reflect on the last two decades. Some Afghans claim that these years didn't change much on the ground, others say that the US abandoned them. WION's Anas Mallick brings you a ground report.

Kabul residents react on 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been put on high alert today as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city.<o:p></o:p>

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack and a few days after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the city faces danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants.<o:p></o:p>

This threat has come a little after sources had warned authorities against a possible truck suicide attack in a protest that took place on Thursday.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drone-strike-may-have-killed-aid-worker-children-and-not-isis-k-militants-reports-412228">US drone strike may have killed aid worker, children, and not ISIS-K militants: Reports</a></o:p>

An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, posters of Mullah Omar and Jalaluddin Haqqani have started popping up across Kabul now, a little after the new government was announced by Taliban.<o:p></o:p>

Jalaluddin Haqqani was the founder of the Haqqani network who died in 2018 in his home country, Afghanistan due to an unspecified terminal illness.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-cricket-board-chief-hints-women-can-still-play-reports-412308">Afghanistan Cricket Board chief hints women can still play: Reports</a></o:p>

Mohammed Omar, also known as Mullah Omar, was the mastermind behind the establishment of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 1996 and was a commander of the Taliban. He died in 2013 but was declared dead in 2015. Sources had claimed he died of tuberculosis.<o:p></o:p>

This threat has come at a time when Taliban are gearing up to resume international flights through Kabul International Airport, days after the US withdrew its troops from the country. Taliban have also been trying to re-establish order and revive the country’s economy.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, in the US, Joe Biden sent out a message of unity on the eve of 9/11 attacks.<o:p></o:p>

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been put on high alert today as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack and a few days after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the city faces danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants.

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been put on high alert today as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack and a few days after Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the city faces danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants. This threat has come a little after sources had warned authorities against a possible truck suicide attack in a protest that took place on Thursday. Also read | US drone strike may have killed aid worker, children, and not ISIS-K militants: Reports An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack. Meanwhile, posters of Mullah Omar and Jalaluddin Haqqani have started popping up across Kabul now, a little after the new government was announced by Taliban. Jalaluddin Haqqani was the founder of the Haqqani network who died in 2018 in his home country, Afghanistan due to an unspecified terminal illness. Also read | Afghanistan Cricket Board chief hints women can still play: Reports Mohammed Omar, also known as Mullah Omar, was the mastermind behind the establishment of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 1996 and was a commander of the Taliban. He died in 2013 but was declared dead in 2015. Sources had claimed he died of tuberculosis. This threat has come at a time when Taliban are gearing up to resume international flights through Kabul International Airport, days after the US withdrew its troops from the country. Taliban have also been trying to re-establish order and revive the country’s economy. Meanwhile, in the US, Joe Biden sent out a message of unity on the eve of 9/11 attacks.

As Taliban put up posters of ex-leaders, a terror threat looms over Kabul on anniversary of 9/11 attack

Today marks exactly 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks and this remember is an incident that continues to haunt Americans and indeed the rest of the world. Ahead of the 20th anniversary the American President Joe Biden paid tributes to the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks. WION has spoken with Retired US Army Colonel Lawrence Sellin.

WION speaks with Retired US Army Colonel Lawrence Sellin

Former NSC Chief of Staff Fred Flietz has spoken with WION on 9/11 terror attacks. Today marks exactly 20 years since the 9/11 terror attacks and this remember is an incident that continues to haunt Americans and indeed the rest of the world. Ahead of the 20th anniversary the American President Joe Biden paid tributes to the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Former NSC Chief of Staff Fred Flietz speaks with WION

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has "heartened and emboldened" extremists, according to the chief of Britain's domestic intelligence service, and might lead to the resumption of significant "al-Qaida-style" terrorist plots against the West.

The withdrawal of NATO forces and the fall of the internationally supported Afghan government might put the UK at "greater risk," according to MI5 Director General Ken McCallum.

In a rare interview with the BBC, McCallum said: "Terrorist threats don't change overnight in terms of directed plotting, training camps, or infrastructure-the kinds of things that al Qaida had in Afghanistan at the time of 9/11."&nbsp;

"But what does happen overnight, even though those directed plots and centrally organised bits of terrorism take a bit longer to rebuild... Overnight, you can have a psychological boost, a morale boost to extremists already here, or in other countries. So we need to be vigilant about the increase in inspired terrorism, which has become a real trend for us to deal with over the last five to 10 years, alongside the potential regrowth of al-Qaida-style directed plots, " he added.

In the last two decades, Islamist-inspired extremists have carried out a number of violent acts in the United Kingdom.

On July 7, 2005, four suicide bombers killed 52 people on London subway trains and a bus, making it the bloodiest attack in the city's history.

Individuals inspired by extremists such as the Islamic State group, but not commanded by them, have carried out many recent knife and vehicle attacks.

According to McCallum, UK authorities have foiled 31 attack attempts by both Islamic and far-right extremists in the last four years.

He claimed that 20 years after the September 11 attacks in the United States, it was difficult to assess whether Britain was safer or less safe.&nbsp;

"The number of plots that we disrupt nowadays are actually higher than the number of plots that were coming at us after 9/11, but on average they are smaller plots of lower sophistication," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has "heartened and emboldened" extremists, according to the chief of Britain's domestic intelligence service, and might lead to the resumption of significant "al-Qaida-style" terrorist plots against the West.

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has "heartened and emboldened" extremists, according to the chief of Britain's domestic intelligence service, and might lead to the resumption of significant "al-Qaida-style" terrorist plots against the West. The withdrawal of NATO forces and the fall of the internationally supported Afghan government might put the UK at "greater risk," according to MI5 Director General Ken McCallum. In a rare interview with the BBC, McCallum said: "Terrorist threats don't change overnight in terms of directed plotting, training camps, or infrastructure-the kinds of things that al Qaida had in Afghanistan at the time of 9/11." "But what does happen overnight, even though those directed plots and centrally organised bits of terrorism take a bit longer to rebuild... Overnight, you can have a psychological boost, a morale boost to extremists already here, or in other countries. So we need to be vigilant about the increase in inspired terrorism, which has become a real trend for us to deal with over the last five to 10 years, alongside the potential regrowth of al-Qaida-style directed plots, " he added. In the last two decades, Islamist-inspired extremists have carried out a number of violent acts in the United Kingdom. On July 7, 2005, four suicide bombers killed 52 people on London subway trains and a bus, making it the bloodiest attack in the city's history. Individuals inspired by extremists such as the Islamic State group, but not commanded by them, have carried out many recent knife and vehicle attacks. According to McCallum, UK authorities have foiled 31 attack attempts by both Islamic and far-right extremists in the last four years. He claimed that 20 years after the September 11 attacks in the United States, it was difficult to assess whether Britain was safer or less safe. "The number of plots that we disrupt nowadays are actually higher than the number of plots that were coming at us after 9/11, but on average they are smaller plots of lower sophistication," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban takeover could fuel terror plots against West: UK spy chief

September 11 is the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, with commemoration ceremonies being held in New York, Pennsylvania and near Washington. In 2001, Justin Tirelli, fire and emergency medical services captain at the Arlington County Fire Department in Virginia, had been on the job only a few months. On September 11th, he was called to work after a plane crashed into the Pentagon. WION-VOA co-production brings you this report.

September 11, 2001: A turning point in American history

When Americans honor the nearly 3,000 killed in the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks on the 20th anniversary on Saturday, a grim shadow will lurk in the background, that of attacks mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has yet to be tried and convicted for the heinous crime.&nbsp;

Mohammed, who boasted to interrogators of designing and managing the 9/11 plot&nbsp;sits in a cell in a high-security camp on the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.&nbsp;

He has been here for 15 years, as the attempt to hold him accountable in a US military war court plods on in fits and starts, stuck on whether his being tortured by the CIA renders his boastful confessions inadmissible.

He remains, after the now-dead Osama Bin Laden, the most reviled figure tied to the 9/11 attacks.&nbsp;

Ali Soufan, a former FBI agent who investigated the attacks, calls Mohammed a "wild-eyed killer" whose "demented" plotting set him apart from others in Al-Qaeda.

Imagination and managerial skills

Most people know him by the photograph taken of his capture, his thick body clothed in a nightshirt, wearing a thick moustache and disheveled hair.&nbsp;

Appearing in the Guantanamo military courtroom for the first time in over 18 months this week, Mohammed was thinner, with a long, greying red-dyed beard, wearing more traditional Pakistani dress.

He walked in easily, chatting with a fellow defendant in the death-penalty case, and knelt on a small carpet between the tables for prayers.&nbsp;

The official 9/11 Commission report and a Senate report about the CIA's torture program describe the 56-year-old "KSM" as a capable and bloodthirsty lieutenant of bin Laden.

A Pakistani citizen, he was raised in Kuwait. He learned English well enough to study mechanical engineering at a US university.&nbsp;

By the time he graduated in 1986, he was already a Muslim hard-liner.&nbsp;

Working for the Qatar government in the early 1990s, Mohammed appears to have been inspired to action by a nephew, Ramzi Yousef, who undertook the bombing of New York's World Trade Center in 1993. After that, the two joined hands with a plan to blow up US-bound jetliners flying from the Philippines.&nbsp;

Yousef was arrested in Pakistan after the first attempt failed, while Mohammed lay low in Qatar before relocating to Pakistan in 1996 to evade a US search.

It was then that he first proposed the 9/11 attacks to bin Laden.&nbsp;

"Highly educated and equally comfortable in a government office or a terrorist safehouse, KSM applied his imagination, technical aptitude, and managerial skills to hatching and planning an extraordinary array of terrorist schemes," the 9/11 Commission report said.

Waterboarding

After the attacks, Mohammed was captured in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in March 2003 and taken by the CIA to a black site in Poland for interrogation.&nbsp;

Over four weeks, he was subjected to waterboarding 183 times, as well as to sleep deprivation, repeated slamming against a wall, "rectal rehydration," and other harsh techniques.

The Senate report described him as deeply resistant, frustrating interrogators with lies and fabrications, while giving up relatively general information.&nbsp;

But following his transfer to Guantanamo in September 2006, he proudly confessed to the military court and compared himself to George Washington, fighting to escape oppression.

"I was responsible for the 9/11 operation, from A to Z," he said.

He also claimed responsibility for 30 other operations, including Al-Qaeda-linked bombings in Bali and Kenya, and said he personally murdered the kidnapped US journalist Daniel Pearl, who was beheaded in Pakistan in 2002.

The 9/11 report called his plotting "theater, a spectacle of destruction with KSM as the self-cast star -- the superterrorist."

But the length of the proceedings may have worn him down.&nbsp;

In 2017, Mohammed's lawyers were in discussions to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence. That deal never developed, reportedly because of opposition high in the government. &nbsp;

'Legendary figure'

In the court this week, Mohammed appeared confident and unapologetic, animatedly talking to his attorneys, defying the judge's requirement to wear a mask, and waving to two journalists in the glassed-in viewing gallery at the back of the court.

Attorneys say he almost certainly knows of the Taliban recapturing control of Afghanistan, hailed as a great victory by Al-Qaeda.

"He is definitely considered as a legendary figure and one of the masterminds behind 9/11," Tore Hamming, a Danish specialist on militant Islam, told AFP.

"That said, it is not like KSM is often discussed, but occasionally he features in written and visual productions," he added.

When Americans honor the nearly 3,000 killed in the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks on the 20th anniversary on Saturday, a grim shadow will lurk in the background, that of attacks mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has yet to be tried and convicted for the heinous crime.

When Americans honor the nearly 3,000 killed in the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda attacks on the 20th anniversary on Saturday, a grim shadow will lurk in the background, that of attacks mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has yet to be tried and convicted for the heinous crime. Mohammed, who boasted to interrogators of designing and managing the 9/11 plot sits in a cell in a high-security camp on the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He has been here for 15 years, as the attempt to hold him accountable in a US military war court plods on in fits and starts, stuck on whether his being tortured by the CIA renders his boastful confessions inadmissible. He remains, after the now-dead Osama Bin Laden, the most reviled figure tied to the 9/11 attacks. Ali Soufan, a former FBI agent who investigated the attacks, calls Mohammed a "wild-eyed killer" whose "demented" plotting set him apart from others in Al-Qaeda. Imagination and managerial skills Most people know him by the photograph taken of his capture, his thick body clothed in a nightshirt, wearing a thick moustache and disheveled hair. Appearing in the Guantanamo military courtroom for the first time in over 18 months this week, Mohammed was thinner, with a long, greying red-dyed beard, wearing more traditional Pakistani dress. He walked in easily, chatting with a fellow defendant in the death-penalty case, and knelt on a small carpet between the tables for prayers. The official 9/11 Commission report and a Senate report about the CIA's torture program describe the 56-year-old "KSM" as a capable and bloodthirsty lieutenant of bin Laden. A Pakistani citizen, he was raised in Kuwait. He learned English well enough to study mechanical engineering at a US university. By the time he graduated in 1986, he was already a Muslim hard-liner. Working for the Qatar government in the early 1990s, Mohammed appears to have been inspired to action by a nephew, Ramzi Yousef, who undertook the bombing of New York's World Trade Center in 1993. After that, the two joined hands with a plan to blow up US-bound jetliners flying from the Philippines. Yousef was arrested in Pakistan after the first attempt failed, while Mohammed lay low in Qatar before relocating to Pakistan in 1996 to evade a US search. It was then that he first proposed the 9/11 attacks to bin Laden. "Highly educated and equally comfortable in a government office or a terrorist safehouse, KSM applied his imagination, technical aptitude, and managerial skills to hatching and planning an extraordinary array of terrorist schemes," the 9/11 Commission report said. Waterboarding After the attacks, Mohammed was captured in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in March 2003 and taken by the CIA to a black site in Poland for interrogation. Over four weeks, he was subjected to waterboarding 183 times, as well as to sleep deprivation, repeated slamming against a wall, "rectal rehydration," and other harsh techniques. The Senate report described him as deeply resistant, frustrating interrogators with lies and fabrications, while giving up relatively general information. But following his transfer to Guantanamo in September 2006, he proudly confessed to the military court and compared himself to George Washington, fighting to escape oppression. "I was responsible for the 9/11 operation, from A to Z," he said. He also claimed responsibility for 30 other operations, including Al-Qaeda-linked bombings in Bali and Kenya, and said he personally murdered the kidnapped US journalist Daniel Pearl, who was beheaded in Pakistan in 2002. The 9/11 report called his plotting "theater, a spectacle of destruction with KSM as the self-cast star -- the superterrorist." But the length of the proceedings may have worn him down. In 2017, Mohammed's lawyers were in discussions to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence. That deal never developed, reportedly because of opposition high in the government. 'Legendary figure' In the court this week, Mohammed appeared confident and unapologetic, animatedly talking to his attorneys, defying the judge's requirement to wear a mask, and waving to two journalists in the glassed-in viewing gallery at the back of the court. Attorneys say he almost certainly knows of the Taliban recapturing control of Afghanistan, hailed as a great victory by Al-Qaeda. "He is definitely considered as a legendary figure and one of the masterminds behind 9/11," Tore Hamming, a Danish specialist on militant Islam, told AFP. "That said, it is not like KSM is often discussed, but occasionally he features in written and visual productions," he added.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed: the defiant 'mass murderer' of 9/11

A new report has revealed that diseases associated with 9/11 have been the cause of more deaths than the deadly twin tower attack itself.

According to the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), it has received over 3,900 claims related to 9/11 illnesses since its opening in 2011.

Almost 50 per cent of those filing claims have recently been diagnosed with cancer.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-bojinka-plot-how-the-911-strikes-were-conceived-411361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The fund's ''special master'' Rupa Bhattacharyya says that means ''the number of people believed to have died of a 9/11-related illness subsequent to 9/11 has now exceeded the number of people who died on 9/11.''

Nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijacked jetliners crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2011.

The fund created for compensating those who were killed in 9/11, has issued cheques worth over &nbsp;$8.95 billion to more than 40,000 individuals.

The responsibility for the attack was claimed by Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda which followed a US-led war in Afghanistan

Bin Laden was killed by the US forces in Afghanistan in 2011 in a surprise raid in his hideout in Pakistan.

A new report has revealed that diseases associated with 9/11 have been the cause of more deaths than the deadly twin tower attack itself. According to the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), it has received over 3,900 claims related to 9/11 illnesses since its opening in 2011.

A new report has revealed that diseases associated with 9/11 have been the cause of more deaths than the deadly twin tower attack itself. According to the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), it has received over 3,900 claims related to 9/11 illnesses since its opening in 2011. Almost 50 per cent of those filing claims have recently been diagnosed with cancer. The fund's ''special master'' Rupa Bhattacharyya says that means ''the number of people believed to have died of a 9/11-related illness subsequent to 9/11 has now exceeded the number of people who died on 9/11.'' Nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijacked jetliners crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2011. The fund created for compensating those who were killed in 9/11, has issued cheques worth over $8.95 billion to more than 40,000 individuals. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda which followed a US-led war in Afghanistan Bin Laden was killed by the US forces in Afghanistan in 2011 in a surprise raid in his hideout in Pakistan.

Illnesses associated with 9/11 have caused more deaths than the attack: Report

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM) was the mastermind behind the 'Planes Operation'. He presented the plan to Osama Bin Laden who later approved it setting the stage for the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington.

The Bojinka Plot: How the 9/11 strikes were conceived

9/11 attacks: Bush administration's big guns & where they are now

United States former president Donald Trump would spend the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by hosting a boxing commentary in Florida.

He will be joined by his son Donald Trump Jr&nbsp;at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood to call the entire four-fight telecast between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort.

“I love great fighters and great fights,” the Trump Sr, a former boxing promoter, said in a statement.

“I look forward to seeing both this Saturday night and sharing my thoughts ringside. You won't want to miss this special event,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-decades-after-911-muslim-americans-still-fighting-bias-411376">Two decades after 9/11, Muslim Americans still fighting bias</a>

The event has been termed as “the most anticipated heavyweight fight of the year”, with the father-son duo calling the entire telecast.

Trump’ controversial term came to an end in January after Joe Biden won the mandate. Since leaving the office, he has not made any public appearances.

He was also permanently suspended from Twitter after his claims of an “election fraud” was called out for spreading fake news.

75-year-old Trump is a veteran of the fighting game, having hosted many boxing matches in the 1980s and '90s at his casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Prior to his single-term presidency, Trump styled himself as a business adviser to Mike Tyson and promoted a handful of the world’s biggest fights and names in the late 1980s and early 90s.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States former president Donald Trump would spend the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by hosting a boxing commentary in Florida. He will be joined by his son Donald Trump Jr at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood to call the entire four-fight telecast between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort.

United States former president Donald Trump would spend the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by hosting a boxing commentary in Florida. He will be joined by his son Donald Trump Jr at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood to call the entire four-fight telecast between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort. “I love great fighters and great fights,” the Trump Sr, a former boxing promoter, said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing both this Saturday night and sharing my thoughts ringside. You won't want to miss this special event,” he added. Also read | Two decades after 9/11, Muslim Americans still fighting bias The event has been termed as “the most anticipated heavyweight fight of the year”, with the father-son duo calling the entire telecast. Trump’ controversial term came to an end in January after Joe Biden won the mandate. Since leaving the office, he has not made any public appearances. He was also permanently suspended from Twitter after his claims of an “election fraud” was called out for spreading fake news. 75-year-old Trump is a veteran of the fighting game, having hosted many boxing matches in the 1980s and '90s at his casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Prior to his single-term presidency, Trump styled himself as a business adviser to Mike Tyson and promoted a handful of the world’s biggest fights and names in the late 1980s and early 90s. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump to offer commentary on boxing match on 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

It is the skyscraper that replaced the Twin Towers in New York's skyline. Inaugurated in 2014, the One World Trade Center has become a symbol of resilience after the horror of 9/11.&nbsp;

Commonly referred to as the "Freedom Tower," it is America's tallest building at 1,776 feet (541 meters) and an emblem of the US economic capital.

From its conception, the tower had to testify to New York's durability -- looking to the future despite the tragedy -- according to one of its architects, Kenneth Lewis.

As harrowing as the images were of the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground on September 11, 2001, no one questioned replacing them with another skyscraper, situated right next "Ground Zero."

For the architects at SOM, which builds skyscrapers around the world, it was an opportunity to realize concepts that they had been thinking about for years.

"We were thinking it's the beginning of the millennium, we were thinking that this had to be the next generation of buildings, both in terms of safety, as well as environmental impact," recalled Lewis.

Evacuation time

Among the most nightmarish images from 9/11 are those of people jumping to their deaths from the towers to escape the blaze.

The architects launched ideas about how to evacuate people other than from the stairs. Inventors came back with a giant chute, and a zip wire, with a parachutist demonstrating the latter, Lewis remembers.

"It was the scariest thing," he says. "We just couldn't imagine someone who might be a little bit overweight or a little bit afraid taking a jump out the window."

In the end, the only solution was to shield the heart of the building with reinforced concrete, "broad enough that people can get out of there," he explained.

The architects implemented safety standards on One WTC that have since become standard for skyscrapers.

They include wide stairwells to allow a quick evacuation of the 104-storey tower, a signaling light to alert aircraft, fire-resistant cameras and communication tools on every floor to allow rescuers to constantly monitor the situation.

"We had a goal, which was an hour evacuation total time to evacuate the whole building," said Lewis. 
Firefighters were invited to planning meetings. It was they who suggested a back-up system capable of compensating for the failure of emergency generators on 9/11 to provide electricity long enough to evacuate the building.

"They had been through such trauma, they had to be a part of the solutions we were coming up with," said Lewis. 
Fire was not the only concern: in the fall of 2001, several anonymous letters containing anthrax were sent to some media and politicians, killing five people.

"We started to think about the filtering system and the air quality," Lewis explained.

"Think of a worst-case scenario and then what would that mean, and then prepare for it," he added, explaining their methodology.

'Transformative moment'

Almost 20 years later and the pandemic has left One WTC and most of Manhattan's prestigious towers empty for months.

"People were thinking we were going to come back much quicker than we have," admitted Lewis.

"We were immediately looking at the types of filtration systems that are in there these buildings, and most new buildings have high efficiency filters, particulate filters that also deal with viruses."

But if the office towers have not yet regained their pre-pandemic occupancy rate, their preeminence in New York's skyline cannot be called into question.

A tower of some 600 apartments is under construction in Brooklyn and will become the first "super-skyscraper" outside Manhattan when it is completed next year.&nbsp;

Around 20 other skyscrapers are in the works across New York.

As well as the environment, the mental health of the occupants of these buildings is now also a priority, said Lewis.

"We're in 2021 and we're talking about well-being and incorporating that into the spaces we're doing, creating outdoor spaces that people can work in, rooftop terraces that are really workspaces, meeting spaces.

"It really is a transformative moment," he said.

In the meantime, One WTC is on the way to becoming as iconic as its predecessors.

While the 9/11 Memorial symbolises "the void" created by the attacks, the "Freedom Tower" tower represents "the positive," according to Lewis.

"A place of innovation and new thinking and modern ideas of safety and security," he said.

It is the skyscraper that replaced the Twin Towers in New York's skyline. Inaugurated in 2014, the One World Trade Center has become a symbol of resilience after the horror of 9/11.

It is the skyscraper that replaced the Twin Towers in New York's skyline. Inaugurated in 2014, the One World Trade Center has become a symbol of resilience after the horror of 9/11. Commonly referred to as the "Freedom Tower," it is America's tallest building at 1,776 feet (541 meters) and an emblem of the US economic capital. From its conception, the tower had to testify to New York's durability -- looking to the future despite the tragedy -- according to one of its architects, Kenneth Lewis. As harrowing as the images were of the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground on September 11, 2001, no one questioned replacing them with another skyscraper, situated right next "Ground Zero." For the architects at SOM, which builds skyscrapers around the world, it was an opportunity to realize concepts that they had been thinking about for years. "We were thinking it's the beginning of the millennium, we were thinking that this had to be the next generation of buildings, both in terms of safety, as well as environmental impact," recalled Lewis. Evacuation time Among the most nightmarish images from 9/11 are those of people jumping to their deaths from the towers to escape the blaze. The architects launched ideas about how to evacuate people other than from the stairs. Inventors came back with a giant chute, and a zip wire, with a parachutist demonstrating the latter, Lewis remembers. "It was the scariest thing," he says. "We just couldn't imagine someone who might be a little bit overweight or a little bit afraid taking a jump out the window." In the end, the only solution was to shield the heart of the building with reinforced concrete, "broad enough that people can get out of there," he explained. The architects implemented safety standards on One WTC that have since become standard for skyscrapers. They include wide stairwells to allow a quick evacuation of the 104-storey tower, a signaling light to alert aircraft, fire-resistant cameras and communication tools on every floor to allow rescuers to constantly monitor the situation. "We had a goal, which was an hour evacuation total time to evacuate the whole building," said Lewis. Firefighters were invited to planning meetings. It was they who suggested a back-up system capable of compensating for the failure of emergency generators on 9/11 to provide electricity long enough to evacuate the building. "They had been through such trauma, they had to be a part of the solutions we were coming up with," said Lewis. Fire was not the only concern: in the fall of 2001, several anonymous letters containing anthrax were sent to some media and politicians, killing five people. "We started to think about the filtering system and the air quality," Lewis explained. "Think of a worst-case scenario and then what would that mean, and then prepare for it," he added, explaining their methodology. 'Transformative moment' Almost 20 years later and the pandemic has left One WTC and most of Manhattan's prestigious towers empty for months. "People were thinking we were going to come back much quicker than we have," admitted Lewis. "We were immediately looking at the types of filtration systems that are in there these buildings, and most new buildings have high efficiency filters, particulate filters that also deal with viruses." But if the office towers have not yet regained their pre-pandemic occupancy rate, their preeminence in New York's skyline cannot be called into question. A tower of some 600 apartments is under construction in Brooklyn and will become the first "super-skyscraper" outside Manhattan when it is completed next year. Around 20 other skyscrapers are in the works across New York. As well as the environment, the mental health of the occupants of these buildings is now also a priority, said Lewis. "We're in 2021 and we're talking about well-being and incorporating that into the spaces we're doing, creating outdoor spaces that people can work in, rooftop terraces that are really workspaces, meeting spaces. "It really is a transformative moment," he said. In the meantime, One WTC is on the way to becoming as iconic as its predecessors. While the 9/11 Memorial symbolises "the void" created by the attacks, the "Freedom Tower" tower represents "the positive," according to Lewis. "A place of innovation and new thinking and modern ideas of safety and security," he said.

'Freedom Tower' - the skyscraper symbolising New York's resilience

For Heather Bauer, 9/11 anniversaries are about something other than the fallen Twin Towers, smoking wreckage at the Pentagon, and a crashed airliner in a Pennsylvania field.

Instead of the accepted version of events -- that Al-Qaeda conducted the attacks -- she believes the US government was primarily responsible. That is among falsehoods being promoted at various events to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11.

"I question absolutely everything now, and I wonder how much or what we have been told of history is even really true," Bauer told AFP. That includes Covid-19, which she does not believe exists.

Bauer, a Wisconsin homemaker, was 14 when the attacks left nearly 3,000 people dead.

She believed the official narrative for years, but after falling into QAnon conspiracy theories, she looked again at the 9/11 story. She now thinks the attacks were orchestrated to justify the war in Iraq that followed in 2003.

She is a devoted adherent of the 9/11 truther movement. Its members tirelessly discuss online what they see as evidence that the Twin Towers fell because of controlled demolition techniques, not because commercial planes flew into them.

Those claims were developed in incredible detail over the past 20 years, and have been debunked just as minutely by documentarians and journalists.&nbsp;

The general idea, including the oft-cited "jet fuel can't melt steel beams" argument, is to prove that some entity must have planted explosives in the towers, because they could not have collapsed so neatly from being hit by planes.

'Uniquely conspiratorial country'

In-person conferences planned by the truther community for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 will also discuss the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines.

The 17th edition of the "9/11 Truth Film Festival" will take place at an Oakland, California theater and be streamed online, featuring two documentaries related to the pandemic, including "Plandemic," a debunked documentary rife with falsehoods about the virus.

Carol Brouillet, the event's organizer and founder of the Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance, said: "We have so much that we want to cover, and only eight hours."

The amount of 9/11 truther content is, as Brouillet said, enormous.&nbsp;

One of the festival's speakers, Ken Jenkins, alone has produced dozens of 9/11 DVDs, according to the event's webpage.

Conspiracy theories over 9/11 were the first to benefit from widespread internet access, spreading much faster than previous alternative interpretations of history, including about John F. Kennedy's assassination, and the Moon landings.

"America is a uniquely conspiratorial country," said Garrett Graff, a journalist and author of a book on the subject.

With the internet, he said, 9/11 truth theories were able to not only have a greater and faster reach than previous conspiracies, but also enabled those who believed in them to network far more effectively.

'Anthrax to the pandemic'

"9/11 conspiracies arrived at the precise moment where social media and online media like YouTube really began to allow people to spread these ideas in big and colorful and compelling ways," he added. 
Like Brouillet's group, the Lawyers' Committee for 9/11 Inquiry will hold a conference on the 20th anniversary, and will feature a Covid-19 discussion.

The event is named "From 9/11-Anthrax to the Pandemic," in reference to letters containing the poisonous substance sent to journalists and politicians over several weeks in September 2001.

For Mick Harrison, an Indiana lawyer and the committee's litigation director, the connection between the anthrax in 2001 and the Covid-19 virus today is clear.

"Because we researched the history of US work on bioweapons for the anthrax case, we're now concerned that there may be an ongoing problem with the use of bioweapons in this country," Harrison said.

Asked about why they are fighting to overturn an established 20-year-old narrative, Bauer and Harrison both said they saw it as a civic duty.

"I'm trying to make this country better by making its government more democratic, more accountable, more transparent," Harrison said.

"9/11 is a big problem in that regard, because we still don't know the truth about what happened."

For Heather Bauer, 9/11 anniversaries are about something other than the fallen Twin Towers, smoking wreckage at the Pentagon, and a crashed airliner in a Pennsylvania field.

For Heather Bauer, 9/11 anniversaries are about something other than the fallen Twin Towers, smoking wreckage at the Pentagon, and a crashed airliner in a Pennsylvania field. Instead of the accepted version of events -- that Al-Qaeda conducted the attacks -- she believes the US government was primarily responsible. That is among falsehoods being promoted at various events to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11. "I question absolutely everything now, and I wonder how much or what we have been told of history is even really true," Bauer told AFP. That includes Covid-19, which she does not believe exists. Bauer, a Wisconsin homemaker, was 14 when the attacks left nearly 3,000 people dead. She believed the official narrative for years, but after falling into QAnon conspiracy theories, she looked again at the 9/11 story. She now thinks the attacks were orchestrated to justify the war in Iraq that followed in 2003. She is a devoted adherent of the 9/11 truther movement. Its members tirelessly discuss online what they see as evidence that the Twin Towers fell because of controlled demolition techniques, not because commercial planes flew into them. Those claims were developed in incredible detail over the past 20 years, and have been debunked just as minutely by documentarians and journalists. The general idea, including the oft-cited "jet fuel can't melt steel beams" argument, is to prove that some entity must have planted explosives in the towers, because they could not have collapsed so neatly from being hit by planes. 'Uniquely conspiratorial country' In-person conferences planned by the truther community for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 will also discuss the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines. The 17th edition of the "9/11 Truth Film Festival" will take place at an Oakland, California theater and be streamed online, featuring two documentaries related to the pandemic, including "Plandemic," a debunked documentary rife with falsehoods about the virus. Carol Brouillet, the event's organizer and founder of the Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance, said: "We have so much that we want to cover, and only eight hours." The amount of 9/11 truther content is, as Brouillet said, enormous. One of the festival's speakers, Ken Jenkins, alone has produced dozens of 9/11 DVDs, according to the event's webpage. Conspiracy theories over 9/11 were the first to benefit from widespread internet access, spreading much faster than previous alternative interpretations of history, including about John F. Kennedy's assassination, and the Moon landings. "America is a uniquely conspiratorial country," said Garrett Graff, a journalist and author of a book on the subject. With the internet, he said, 9/11 truth theories were able to not only have a greater and faster reach than previous conspiracies, but also enabled those who believed in them to network far more effectively. 'Anthrax to the pandemic' "9/11 conspiracies arrived at the precise moment where social media and online media like YouTube really began to allow people to spread these ideas in big and colorful and compelling ways," he added. Like Brouillet's group, the Lawyers' Committee for 9/11 Inquiry will hold a conference on the 20th anniversary, and will feature a Covid-19 discussion. The event is named "From 9/11-Anthrax to the Pandemic," in reference to letters containing the poisonous substance sent to journalists and politicians over several weeks in September 2001. For Mick Harrison, an Indiana lawyer and the committee's litigation director, the connection between the anthrax in 2001 and the Covid-19 virus today is clear. "Because we researched the history of US work on bioweapons for the anthrax case, we're now concerned that there may be an ongoing problem with the use of bioweapons in this country," Harrison said. Asked about why they are fighting to overturn an established 20-year-old narrative, Bauer and Harrison both said they saw it as a civic duty. "I'm trying to make this country better by making its government more democratic, more accountable, more transparent," Harrison said. "9/11 is a big problem in that regard, because we still don't know the truth about what happened."

Twenty years on, pandemic gives 9/11 conspiracists fresh impetus

It is going to be 20 years since the world suffered a devastating loss in the US on September 11 as a terrorist-controlled aircrafts struck the famous World Trade Center.<o:p></o:p>

Now, two decades later, the fear caused by those horrifying attacks still continue to haunt several people living in the US, a study claims.<o:p></o:p>

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were declared dead and several hundred others were injured in the US.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-calls-new-zealand-stabbing-terrorist-attack-suspect-shot-dead-410375">Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead</a></o:p>

Data collected before Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan suggests that a lot of people in America are still scared about possible terrorist attacks and have developed a fear of entering skyscrapers.<o:p></o:p>

Majority of Americans who are old enough to remember the attack have clear memories of where they were and what were doing when the heinous attack took place. These people are also scared of travelling in planes and going to a skyscraper now.<o:p></o:p>

Nearly 26 per cent Americans are now scared of flying in airplanes and 36 per cent are hesitant about travelling abroad. In addition to this, 27 per cent people are unwilling to enter a skyscraper and 37 per cent people admit they try to avoid any event that is being attended by hundreds of people.<o:p></o:p>

While the numbers have reduced, the fear still continues decades later, and some believe it may increase now as Taliban took control of Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

In a survey, it was also revealed that 44 per cent people from minority groups have altered their lifestyle and are scared of flying since the attack. This showed the way the minority groups were targeted in the country after the attack, as only 21 per cent of White Americans agreed to this change.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-the-cost-of-talking-to-the-taliban-410307">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-the-cost-of-talking-to-the-taliban-410307/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Americans are sceptical and doubtful about the US government’s hold on terrorism and claim that irrespective of what the officials claim, they believe the government has failed to achieve an upper hand in its fight against terrorism.<o:p></o:p>

US troops were deployed in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attack, as the government vowed to take revenge and justice for those killed in the brutal attack. However, now decades later, as the US troops returned to their home country and Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again, 28 per cent Americans claim they have permanently changed the way they live.<o:p></o:p>

Even before the current Afghan crisis, 22 per cent of people believed that the terrorists are winning the war, rather than the US and 49 per cent of people say that nobody is winning the 'forever war'.<o:p></o:p>

Now, people are also hesitant about whether or not the US government will be able to protect its citizens from terrorism as nearly 36 per cent of people were worried about becoming a victim of some terrorist attack, even before the current Afghan crisis.<o:p></o:p>

It is going to be 20 years since the world suffered a devastating loss in the US on September 11 as a terrorist-controlled aircrafts struck the famous World Trade Center.

It is going to be 20 years since the world suffered a devastating loss in the US on September 11 as a terrorist-controlled aircrafts struck the famous World Trade Center. Now, two decades later, the fear caused by those horrifying attacks still continue to haunt several people living in the US, a study claims. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were declared dead and several hundred others were injured in the US. Also read | Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead Data collected before Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan suggests that a lot of people in America are still scared about possible terrorist attacks and have developed a fear of entering skyscrapers. Majority of Americans who are old enough to remember the attack have clear memories of where they were and what were doing when the heinous attack took place. These people are also scared of travelling in planes and going to a skyscraper now. Nearly 26 per cent Americans are now scared of flying in airplanes and 36 per cent are hesitant about travelling abroad. In addition to this, 27 per cent people are unwilling to enter a skyscraper and 37 per cent people admit they try to avoid any event that is being attended by hundreds of people. While the numbers have reduced, the fear still continues decades later, and some believe it may increase now as Taliban took control of Afghanistan. In a survey, it was also revealed that 44 per cent people from minority groups have altered their lifestyle and are scared of flying since the attack. This showed the way the minority groups were targeted in the country after the attack, as only 21 per cent of White Americans agreed to this change. WATCH | Americans are sceptical and doubtful about the US government’s hold on terrorism and claim that irrespective of what the officials claim, they believe the government has failed to achieve an upper hand in its fight against terrorism. US troops were deployed in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attack, as the government vowed to take revenge and justice for those killed in the brutal attack. However, now decades later, as the US troops returned to their home country and Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again, 28 per cent Americans claim they have permanently changed the way they live. Even before the current Afghan crisis, 22 per cent of people believed that the terrorists are winning the war, rather than the US and 49 per cent of people say that nobody is winning the 'forever war'. Now, people are also hesitant about whether or not the US government will be able to protect its citizens from terrorism as nearly 36 per cent of people were worried about becoming a victim of some terrorist attack, even before the current Afghan crisis.

Two decades later, Americans fear entering skyscraper as memories of 9/11 attack still haunt US

The former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a> troubles are far from over, even after his acquittal in the impeachment trial, as his opposition is now urging the creation of an independent 9/11-style Commission to look into the Capitol riots.

Trump's known enemy and the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, on Monday, called for the creation of a 9/11-style Commission to look into the Capitol riots that took place on January 06 in Washington by Trump's supporters.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toings-froings-and-kerfuffle-uk-pm-boris-johnson-reacts-to-trumps-impeachment-trial-363685" hreflang="en">'Toings, froings and kerfuffle': UK PM Boris Johnson reacts to Trump's impeachment trial</a>

Pelosi said she would move to establish an "outside, independent 9/11 type Commission" to investigate the Capitol riots.

This Commission would "investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to January 6, 2021, domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex," Pelosi explained in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/democrats-demand-a-911-style-commission-on-deadly-capitol-riot-363902">WATCH</a>|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/democrats-demand-a-911-style-commission-on-deadly-capitol-riot-363902/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She also hoped that this Commission will look into peaceful transfer of power — something that Trump struggled with after his historic defeat in the US election 2020.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-reacts-on-trumps-acquittal-says-democracy-is-fragile-363495" hreflang="en">President Biden reacts on Trump's acquittal, says 'democracy is fragile'</a>

It would also look into the preparedness and response of the Capitol Police and a few other branches of law enforcement, as alleged lack of effort on the part of Capitol Police was also highly criticised after the deadly January 06 attack.

Turns out, Pelosi is not the only one who wants such a Commission to investigate the matter. Several Republicans have also expressed their desire to have an independent probe into this deadly riot.

"We need a 9/11 commission to find out what happened to make sure it never happens again," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina.

The former US President Donald Trump's troubles are far from over, even after his acquittal in the impeachment trial, as his opposition is now urging the creation of an independent 9/11-style Commission to look into the Capitol riots.

The former US President Donald Trump's troubles are far from over, even after his acquittal in the impeachment trial, as his opposition is now urging the creation of an independent 9/11-style Commission to look into the Capitol riots. Trump's known enemy and the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, on Monday, called for the creation of a 9/11-style Commission to look into the Capitol riots that took place on January 06 in Washington by Trump's supporters. Also read| 'Toings, froings and kerfuffle': UK PM Boris Johnson reacts to Trump's impeachment trial Pelosi said she would move to establish an "outside, independent 9/11 type Commission" to investigate the Capitol riots. This Commission would "investigate and report on the facts and causes relating to January 6, 2021, domestic terrorist attack upon the United States Capitol Complex," Pelosi explained in a statement. WATCH| She also hoped that this Commission will look into peaceful transfer of power — something that Trump struggled with after his historic defeat in the US election 2020. Also read| President Biden reacts on Trump's acquittal, says 'democracy is fragile' It would also look into the preparedness and response of the Capitol Police and a few other branches of law enforcement, as alleged lack of effort on the part of Capitol Police was also highly criticised after the deadly January 06 attack. Turns out, Pelosi is not the only one who wants such a Commission to investigate the matter. Several Republicans have also expressed their desire to have an independent probe into this deadly riot. "We need a 9/11 commission to find out what happened to make sure it never happens again," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina.

'Independent, 9/11-style commission' needed to investigate Trump and Capitol riots: Pelosi

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has taken to Twitter to berate the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, after reports emerged that the top American diplomat has accused Tehran of having links with al-Qaeda.

In fiery remarks, Zarif called the allegations allegedly based on intelligence data "fictitious", adding that Mr “we lie, cheat, steal" Pompeo, "is pathetically ending his disastrous career with more warmongering lies."

"No one is fooled," Zarif tweeted. "All 9/11 terrorists came" from Pompeo's "favourite" Middle East "destinations" he added. "NONE from Iran."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
From designating Cuba to fictitious Iran "declassifications” and AQ claims, Mr. “we lie, cheat, steal" is pathetically ending his disastrous career with more warmongering lies. 
 
No one is fooled. All 9/11 terrorists came from <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a>'s favorite ME destinations; NONE from Iran.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1349018857067991046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The majority of the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York came from US-ally Saudi Arabia.

Earlier in on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, without providing hard evidence, that al-Qaeda had established a new home base in Iran.

The New York Times reported in November that al-Qaeda’s Abu Muhammad al-Masri, accused of helping to mastermind the 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa, was gunned down by Israeli operatives in Iran. Iran denied the report, saying there were no al-Qaeda “terrorists” on its soil.

Pompeo told a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington that he was announcing publicly for the first time that al-Masri died on August 7 last year.

Pompeo said his presence in Iran was no surprise, and added: “Al-Masri’s presence inside Iran points to the reason that we’re here today ... al-Qaeda has a new home base: it is the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

"I would say Iran is indeed the new Afghanistan –- as the key geographic hub for Al-Qaeda -- but it's actually worse.&nbsp;

"Unlike in Afghanistan, when Al-Qaeda was hiding in the mountains, Al-Qaeda today is operating under the hard shell of the Iranian regime's protection."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has taken to Twitter to berate the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, after reports emerged that the top American diplomat has accused Tehran of having links with al-Qaeda.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has taken to Twitter to berate the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, after reports emerged that the top American diplomat has accused Tehran of having links with al-Qaeda. In fiery remarks, Zarif called the allegations allegedly based on intelligence data "fictitious", adding that Mr “we lie, cheat, steal" Pompeo, "is pathetically ending his disastrous career with more warmongering lies." "No one is fooled," Zarif tweeted. "All 9/11 terrorists came" from Pompeo's "favourite" Middle East "destinations" he added. "NONE from Iran." From designating Cuba to fictitious Iran "declassifications” and AQ claims, Mr. “we lie, cheat, steal" is pathetically ending his disastrous career with more warmongering lies. No one is fooled. All 9/11 terrorists came from @SecPompeo's favorite ME destinations; NONE from Iran. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 12, 2021 × The majority of the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York came from US-ally Saudi Arabia. Earlier in on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, without providing hard evidence, that al-Qaeda had established a new home base in Iran. The New York Times reported in November that al-Qaeda’s Abu Muhammad al-Masri, accused of helping to mastermind the 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa, was gunned down by Israeli operatives in Iran. Iran denied the report, saying there were no al-Qaeda “terrorists” on its soil. Pompeo told a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington that he was announcing publicly for the first time that al-Masri died on August 7 last year. Pompeo said his presence in Iran was no surprise, and added: “Al-Masri’s presence inside Iran points to the reason that we’re here today ... al-Qaeda has a new home base: it is the Islamic Republic of Iran.” "I would say Iran is indeed the new Afghanistan –- as the key geographic hub for Al-Qaeda -- but it's actually worse. "Unlike in Afghanistan, when Al-Qaeda was hiding in the mountains, Al-Qaeda today is operating under the hard shell of the Iranian regime's protection." (With inputs from agencies)

9/11 terrorists came from Pompeo's favourite Middle East destinations: Iran's Foreign Minister

The United States on Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the shocking 9/11 attack&nbsp;that was orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

On September 11, 2001,&nbsp;19 men hijacked 4 fuel-loaded US commercial airplanes bound for west coast destinations. The operation was planned by&nbsp;Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-rebels-non-state-actors-have-enhanced-strike-capabilities-after-911-attack-250029">In pics- How militants, terrorists have enhanced strike capabilities post 9/11</a>

American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. 2,753 died after the two American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 planes slammed into the twin towers.&nbsp;

US Navy Seals killed Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan in 2011. FBI, CIA, and Pakistani intelligence worked together and&nbsp;captured Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in 2003 from a house outside Islamabad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-confirms-death-of-al-qaeda-heir-hamza-bin-laden-249686">US President Donald Trump confirms death of al-Qaeda heir Hamza bin Laden</a>

The present chief of&nbsp;al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri hasn't achieved the household notoriety that&nbsp;bin Laden had.

Al-Qaeda is pursuing a strategy of silently rebuilding and forging alliances with regional groups that&nbsp;maintains affiliations across Africa, West Asia, and South Asia.

According to the Center&nbsp;of International Security and Cooperation, the group's leadership is based in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

As of 2018,&nbsp;it had anywhere between 32 thousand to 44 thousand members.&nbsp;Most fighters are believed to be in Africa.

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There could be 5,000 fighters in Libya, 4000 in Yemen,&nbsp;and at least 7000 in Somalia.&nbsp;At least 10 thousand fighters could be operating out of Syria.

The Council of Foreign Relations claims that the&nbsp;al Qaeda&nbsp;and its affiliates are active in Russia and the Indian subcontinent too.

Ayman al-Zawahiri has been able to prevent defections of senior leaders.&nbsp;This includes names like Saif al-Adel.&nbsp;A former Egyptian military colonel and explosives expert.

And Abu Mohammed al-Masri&nbsp;who masterminded the 1998 twin truck bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

As per the US,&nbsp;al-Zawahiri&nbsp;has a threat.&nbsp;America has placed a 25 million dollar bounty for his head but he has been absent for months leading many to speculate that he might be dead or incapacitated.&nbsp;

He has made only one appearance this year in a year to refute atheism.&nbsp;

The al-Qaeda has even tried to exploit the pandemic&nbsp;as well as the race protests in the United States. But the efforts failed to gain traction.

Last year, the US&nbsp;had claimed that the son of Osama bin laden, hamza, died in an operation.&nbsp;

Without a clear line of leadership,&nbsp;the future of al-Qaeda looks uncertain.

The United States on Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the shocking 9/11 attack that was orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. On September 11, 2001, 19 men hijacked 4 fuel-loaded US commercial airplanes bound for west coast destinations.

The United States on Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the shocking 9/11 attack that was orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. On September 11, 2001, 19 men hijacked 4 fuel-loaded US commercial airplanes bound for west coast destinations. The operation was planned by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Also see: In pics- How militants, terrorists have enhanced strike capabilities post 9/11 American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. 2,753 died after the two American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 planes slammed into the twin towers. US Navy Seals killed Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan in 2011. FBI, CIA, and Pakistani intelligence worked together and captured Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in 2003 from a house outside Islamabad. Also read: US President Donald Trump confirms death of al-Qaeda heir Hamza bin Laden The present chief of al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri hasn't achieved the household notoriety that bin Laden had. Al-Qaeda is pursuing a strategy of silently rebuilding and forging alliances with regional groups that maintains affiliations across Africa, West Asia, and South Asia. According to the Center of International Security and Cooperation, the group's leadership is based in Afghanistan and Pakistan. As of 2018, it had anywhere between 32 thousand to 44 thousand members. Most fighters are believed to be in Africa. × There could be 5,000 fighters in Libya, 4000 in Yemen, and at least 7000 in Somalia. At least 10 thousand fighters could be operating out of Syria. The Council of Foreign Relations claims that the al Qaeda and its affiliates are active in Russia and the Indian subcontinent too. Ayman al-Zawahiri has been able to prevent defections of senior leaders. This includes names like Saif al-Adel. A former Egyptian military colonel and explosives expert. And Abu Mohammed al-Masri who masterminded the 1998 twin truck bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. As per the US, al-Zawahiri has a threat. America has placed a 25 million dollar bounty for his head but he has been absent for months leading many to speculate that he might be dead or incapacitated. He has made only one appearance this year in a year to refute atheism. The al-Qaeda has even tried to exploit the pandemic as well as the race protests in the United States. But the efforts failed to gain traction. Last year, the US had claimed that the son of Osama bin laden, hamza, died in an operation. Without a clear line of leadership, the future of al-Qaeda looks uncertain.

Al-Qaeda confronting an uncertain future 19 years after 9/11 attack

President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Friday&nbsp;visited the crash site in the key election state of Pennsylvania of one of the planes hijacked during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States.

Both men seeked to take advantage of the solemn moment to appear as leaders seeking to heal a deeply divided nation.

About 200 people joined the New York ceremony, where the names were read out of the nearly 3,000 people killed when two hijacked jets slammed into the Twin Towers, with a third hitting the Pentagon and a fourth taken down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, when its passengers rose up against the al Qaeda hijackers.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-rebels-non-state-actors-have-enhanced-strike-capabilities-after-911-attack-250029">In pics- How militants, terrorists have enhanced strike capabilities post 9/11</a>

For the 19th anniversary of the Al-Qaeda terror attacks, the Republican president&nbsp;stole&nbsp;the show from Biden, as he was&nbsp;in New York City for the annual event honoring the almost 3,000 people who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Trump left the White House to attend a morning ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, a White House official said. The event, in remembrance of the 40 passengers and crew who died when the plane plunged into a field after they struggled with the hijackers, will be closed to the public because of coronavirus concerns, the National Park Service said.<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="602f3488-ede4-4aa3-b34e-d641719c6bb9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2856%29_7.jpg" />

In picture: US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand with White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao as they pause for a moment of silence aboard Air Force One while en route to participate in the 19th annual September 11 observance at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania

Whereas, Biden attended a commemoration in Shanksville,&nbsp;Pennsylvania, where an airliner crashed after the passengers tried to wrest control of the plane from the Al-Qaeda hijackers.&nbsp;

<img alt="biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d0d6e40-e6db-417b-a4f7-c255161b5122" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2855%29_4.jpg" />

In picture: Democratic presidential candidate and former US&nbsp;Vice President Joe Biden and Vice President Mike Pence greet each other during the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the National September 11 Memorial &amp; Museum in New York City

"I'm not going to talk about anything other than 9/11. We took all our advertising down. It's a solemn day, and that's how we're going to keep it, okay?," Biden said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-almost-criminal-joe-biden-on-trumps-response-to-coronavirus-crisis-326741">'It's almost criminal': Joe Biden on Trump's response to coronavirus crisis</a>

The two rivals did not cross&nbsp;paths in Pennsylvania: Trump and his wife Melania left Shanksville in the morning after the memorial, while Biden and his wife Jill&nbsp;arrived at the site in the afternoon.

Trump on Thursday&nbsp;escalated his attacks on Biden, calling the former Vice President "the worst presidential candidate in the history of presidential politics."

Trump repeated criticism for&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;over China, accusing him of being a "globalist sellout" who helped engineer the widespread loss of American jobs.

The president's campaign has also accused&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, of opposing his administration's efforts to fast-track a vaccine for the coronavirus, which he said was coming "very, very soon."

Long a Democratic stronghold and Biden's home state, Pennsylvania swung narrowly to Trump in the 2016 election, helping him secure his surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Polls show Trump and Biden nearly even in Pennsylvania, and Democrats hope to win the state back in the November 3 vote.

Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the suicide attacks and a US-led war in Afghanistan followed.

US&nbsp;forces killed bin Laden in May 2011 in a surprise raid on his hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, ending a nearly 10-year hunt for the al Qaeda leader.

President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Friday visited the crash site in the key election state of Pennsylvania of one of the planes hijacked during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States.

President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden on Friday visited the crash site in the key election state of Pennsylvania of one of the planes hijacked during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States. Both men seeked to take advantage of the solemn moment to appear as leaders seeking to heal a deeply divided nation. About 200 people joined the New York ceremony, where the names were read out of the nearly 3,000 people killed when two hijacked jets slammed into the Twin Towers, with a third hitting the Pentagon and a fourth taken down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, when its passengers rose up against the al Qaeda hijackers. Also see: In pics- How militants, terrorists have enhanced strike capabilities post 9/11 For the 19th anniversary of the Al-Qaeda terror attacks, the Republican president stole the show from Biden, as he was in New York City for the annual event honoring the almost 3,000 people who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Trump left the White House to attend a morning ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, a White House official said. The event, in remembrance of the 40 passengers and crew who died when the plane plunged into a field after they struggled with the hijackers, will be closed to the public because of coronavirus concerns, the National Park Service said. In picture: US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand with White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao as they pause for a moment of silence aboard Air Force One while en route to participate in the 19th annual September 11 observance at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania Whereas, Biden attended a commemoration in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where an airliner crashed after the passengers tried to wrest control of the plane from the Al-Qaeda hijackers. In picture: Democratic presidential candidate and former US Vice President Joe Biden and Vice President Mike Pence greet each other during the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City "I'm not going to talk about anything other than 9/11. We took all our advertising down. It's a solemn day, and that's how we're going to keep it, okay?," Biden said. Also read: 'It's almost criminal': Joe Biden on Trump's response to coronavirus crisis The two rivals did not cross paths in Pennsylvania: Trump and his wife Melania left Shanksville in the morning after the memorial, while Biden and his wife Jill arrived at the site in the afternoon. Trump on Thursday escalated his attacks on Biden, calling the former Vice President "the worst presidential candidate in the history of presidential politics." Trump repeated criticism for Biden over China, accusing him of being a "globalist sellout" who helped engineer the widespread loss of American jobs. The president's campaign has also accused Biden and his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, of opposing his administration's efforts to fast-track a vaccine for the coronavirus, which he said was coming "very, very soon." Long a Democratic stronghold and Biden's home state, Pennsylvania swung narrowly to Trump in the 2016 election, helping him secure his surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Polls show Trump and Biden nearly even in Pennsylvania, and Democrats hope to win the state back in the November 3 vote. Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the suicide attacks and a US-led war in Afghanistan followed. US forces killed bin Laden in May 2011 in a surprise raid on his hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, ending a nearly 10-year hunt for the al Qaeda leader.

US election 2020: Trump, Biden try to outshine each other at 9/11 memorials

The only man ever convicted in the 9/11 attack in the US,&nbsp;Zacarias Moussaoui, has said that he is renouncing&nbsp;al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

In a handwritten court motion Moussaoui filed with the federal court in Alexandria last month, Moussaoui wrote: ''I denounce, repudiate Osama bin Laden as a useful idiot of the CIA/Saudi. I also proclaim unequivocally my opposition to any terrorist action, attack, propaganda against the US.''

He also said he wanted ''to warn young Muslim against the deception and the manipulation of these fake jihadis.''

<img alt="Zacarias Moussaoui" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01c0a609-1a03-4220-9b5d-b406756cb39e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1328.jpg" /> 
Zacarias Moussaoui

Moussaoui made his renunciation in a petition seeking relaxation of the conditions under which he serves his sentence. In particular, he says he wants either Donald Trump’s lawyer&nbsp;Rudy Giuliani&nbsp;or Alan Dershowitz to represent him as a lawyer, so he can testify in a civil trial filed by victims of the 9/11 attacks.

He has written numerous letters seeking to testify at the 9/11 civil trial, and at the military trials of al-Qaida members including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

He is serving his life sentence&nbsp;at a federal prison in Colorado after narrowly escaping the death penalty at his 2006 trial.

&nbsp;

The only man ever convicted in the 9/11 attack in the US, Zacarias Moussaoui, has said that he is renouncing al-Qaida and the Islamic State. In a handwritten court motion Moussaoui filed with the federal court in Alexandria last month, Moussaoui wrote: ''I denounce, repudiate Osama bin Laden as a useful idiot of the CIA/Saudi.

The only man ever convicted in the 9/11 attack in the US, Zacarias Moussaoui, has said that he is renouncing al-Qaida and the Islamic State. In a handwritten court motion Moussaoui filed with the federal court in Alexandria last month, Moussaoui wrote: ''I denounce, repudiate Osama bin Laden as a useful idiot of the CIA/Saudi. I also proclaim unequivocally my opposition to any terrorist action, attack, propaganda against the US.'' He also said he wanted ''to warn young Muslim against the deception and the manipulation of these fake jihadis.'' Zacarias Moussaoui Moussaoui made his renunciation in a petition seeking relaxation of the conditions under which he serves his sentence. In particular, he says he wants either Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani or Alan Dershowitz to represent him as a lawyer, so he can testify in a civil trial filed by victims of the 9/11 attacks. He has written numerous letters seeking to testify at the 9/11 civil trial, and at the military trials of al-Qaida members including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. He is serving his life sentence at a federal prison in Colorado after narrowly escaping the death penalty at his 2006 trial.

Only 9/11 attack convict renouncing terrorism and Bin Laden

US President Donald Trump has described the coronavirus pandemic as the "worst attack" ever on the United States.

Renewing&nbsp;his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

His administration is weighing punitive actions against China over its early handling of the virus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-keep-coronavirus-task-force-indefinitely-says-trump-amid-rising-us-death-toll-297041" hreflang="en">Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll</a>

Beijing says the US wants to distract from its own handling of the pandemic.

The surprise Japanese attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii drew the United States into World War II.&nbsp;

The 9/11 attacks killed about 3,000 people, triggering two decades of US wars and anti-terrorism operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-has-no-evidence-says-china-on-coronavirus-origin-in-lab-297036" hreflang="en">Pompeo has no evidence, says China on coronavirus origin in lab</a>

Trump lashed out at China, continuing a war of words over the origins of the deadly virus that emerged in Wuhan last year.&nbsp;

"It should have never happened," he said. "Could have been stopped at the source. Could have been stopped in China."

China hit back Wednesday at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his claims the virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory, saying he has no evidence.

"This matter should be handed to scientists and medical professionals, and not politicians who lie for their own domestic political ends," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman said.

Scientists believe the disease originated in animals and jumped to humans -- possibly in a Wuhan wet market where wild animals were sold.&nbsp;

So far, more than 73,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, and the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted the toll in the US could top 100,000 by the end of May.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has described the coronavirus pandemic as the "worst attack" ever on the United States. Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

US President Donald Trump has described the coronavirus pandemic as the "worst attack" ever on the United States. Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11. His administration is weighing punitive actions against China over its early handling of the virus outbreak. Also read: Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll Beijing says the US wants to distract from its own handling of the pandemic. The surprise Japanese attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii drew the United States into World War II. The 9/11 attacks killed about 3,000 people, triggering two decades of US wars and anti-terrorism operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries. Also read: Pompeo has no evidence, says China on coronavirus origin in lab Trump lashed out at China, continuing a war of words over the origins of the deadly virus that emerged in Wuhan last year. "It should have never happened," he said. "Could have been stopped at the source. Could have been stopped in China." China hit back Wednesday at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his claims the virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory, saying he has no evidence. "This matter should be handed to scientists and medical professionals, and not politicians who lie for their own domestic political ends," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman said. Scientists believe the disease originated in animals and jumped to humans -- possibly in a Wuhan wet market where wild animals were sold. So far, more than 73,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, and the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted the toll in the US could top 100,000 by the end of May.

Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump

Is Trump Waiting For Marching Orders From Saudi Arabia?

Gravitas: U.S. Support for Saudi Arabia: The Irony of Ironies

The Lasting Effects Of The September 11, 2001 Attacks That Changed The U.S. & The World.

Gravitas: How 9/11 Changed The U.S.

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