The oldest prisoner at Guantanamo Bay prison, Saifullah Paracha has been released and sent back to Pakistan after nearly 20 years.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign ministry reportedly confirmed the news of the release. In a statement, the ministry said, "We are glad that a Pakistani citizen detained abroad is finally reunited with his family." Paracha returned to Pakistan on October 29.&nbsp;

Two years after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US, Paracha, now 75, was detained on suspicion of financing&nbsp;the terrorist group al-Qaeda. Although he was only suspected, Paracha always insisted on being innocent and was never charged.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recounting-traumatic-memories-of-911-facts-you-didnt-know-about-the-september-attack-515074">Also read |&nbsp;US: Recounting traumatic memories of 9/11, facts you didn't know about the September attack&nbsp;</a>

Paracha's lawyer, Clive Stafford-Smith, questioned why his release took so long despite being cleared for a release for over a year now.&nbsp;

In a conversation with BBC, Smith said, "He's been cleared for release [for] well over a year... he used to hum to me The Eagles song Hotel California, where you can [according to the lyrics] check out 'but you can never leave'."

Further adding, he said that Guantanamo is an embarrassment to the US. He said he still has four clients who are certified for release.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;9/11 Terror Attack: Accused may not get death penalty

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Paracha was completing his studies in the US when the attack took place. He was detained in Thailand in July 2003, after an American FBI sting operation. The authorities&nbsp;accused him of connecting with some of the senior members of the group including the chief leader Osama bin Laden and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.&nbsp;

After spending 14 months in US military prison in Afghanistan, he was sent to Guantanamo.&nbsp;

The United States had detained hundreds of individuals it characterised as illegal combatants.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-tower-was-also-brought-down-on-911-the-conspiracy-theories-and-importance-of-tower-seven-412317">Also read |&nbsp;'Third tower also collapsed on 9/11': The conspiracy theories and importance of Tower Seven</a>

The current US President Joe Biden is under great pressure to release uncharged prisoners and to continue legal proceedings against those alleged to have close ties with the terrorist group al-Qaeda.&nbsp;

The Biden administration last year allowed the release of Paracha and two others.

The chief operator for the 9/11 attack Khalid Mohammed is still imprisoned.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The oldest prisoner at Guantanamo Bay prison, Saifullah Paracha has been released and sent back to Pakistan after nearly 20 years. Pakistan's foreign ministry reportedly confirmed the news of the release.

The oldest prisoner at Guantanamo Bay prison, Saifullah Paracha has been released and sent back to Pakistan after nearly 20 years. Pakistan's foreign ministry reportedly confirmed the news of the release. In a statement, the ministry said, "We are glad that a Pakistani citizen detained abroad is finally reunited with his family." Paracha returned to Pakistan on October 29. Two years after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US, Paracha, now 75, was detained on suspicion of financing the terrorist group al-Qaeda. Although he was only suspected, Paracha always insisted on being innocent and was never charged. Also read | US: Recounting traumatic memories of 9/11, facts you didn't know about the September attack Paracha's lawyer, Clive Stafford-Smith, questioned why his release took so long despite being cleared for a release for over a year now. In a conversation with BBC, Smith said, "He's been cleared for release [for] well over a year... he used to hum to me The Eagles song Hotel California, where you can [according to the lyrics] check out 'but you can never leave'." Further adding, he said that Guantanamo is an embarrassment to the US. He said he still has four clients who are certified for release. Watch | 9/11 Terror Attack: Accused may not get death penalty Paracha was completing his studies in the US when the attack took place. He was detained in Thailand in July 2003, after an American FBI sting operation. The authorities accused him of connecting with some of the senior members of the group including the chief leader Osama bin Laden and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. After spending 14 months in US military prison in Afghanistan, he was sent to Guantanamo. The United States had detained hundreds of individuals it characterised as illegal combatants. Also read | 'Third tower also collapsed on 9/11': The conspiracy theories and importance of Tower Seven The current US President Joe Biden is under great pressure to release uncharged prisoners and to continue legal proceedings against those alleged to have close ties with the terrorist group al-Qaeda. The Biden administration last year allowed the release of Paracha and two others. The chief operator for the 9/11 attack Khalid Mohammed is still imprisoned. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Guantanamo's oldest serving prisoner, a 9/11 attack suspect, released after two decades

Five defendants, charged for masterminding 9/11 attacks may escape death penalty in a plea deal, CBS News has said in a report. There is a possibility that by pleading guilty to the charges, the accused may get handed long prison sentences but not the death penalty. The trials&nbsp;have stalled over the issue of access to CIA evidence. COVID-19 pandemic added more delay.

Chief defendant among the group of five is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Ramzi Binalshibh, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, Walid bin Attash and Ammar al-Baluchi are others.&nbsp;

The possibility of these accused escaping death penalty has caused great anger in families of 9/11 victims.

"The families are outraged," said Debra Burlingame, sister of Charles "Chic" Burlingame, the pilot of one of the planes that were hijacked by the terrorists.

"They don't want closure, they want justice." added Burlingame, as she spoke of angst of the families. She was quoted by CBS News.&nbsp;

Watch | 21 years on, five accused of 9/11 attacks still remain in detention centre

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However, as per the report, some families appear to be fine with the accused admitting that they are guilty, even if it means they evade the gallows.

9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows said that a guilty plea "would be partly in recognition of the torture each of the defendants experienced" and bring "some measure of judicial finality."

James Connell, lawyer for one of the accused appeared to hint at the possibility of a plea deal. He described the case as a "forever trial". He said that all the defendants were engaged in 'good faith negotiations" with the government.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-anniversary-biden-lays-wreath-in-ceremony-at-pentagon-honours-lives-lost-515189">9/11 attacks: Biden lays wreath at Pentagon to honour lost lives on 21st anniversary</a> 
 
Defendants' lawyer underline the 'interrogation' of the accused which critics say was extreme torture.

A spokesperson of military trials reportedly did not answer questions on the matter of the plea deal but confirmed that "the parties are currently engaged in preliminary plea negotiations."

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Five defendants, charged for masterminding 9/11 attacks may escape death penalty in a plea deal, CBS News has said in a report. There is a possibility that by pleading guilty to the charges, the accused may get handed long prison sentences but not the death penalty.

Five defendants, charged for masterminding 9/11 attacks may escape death penalty in a plea deal, CBS News has said in a report. There is a possibility that by pleading guilty to the charges, the accused may get handed long prison sentences but not the death penalty. The trials have stalled over the issue of access to CIA evidence. COVID-19 pandemic added more delay. Chief defendant among the group of five is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Ramzi Binalshibh, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, Walid bin Attash and Ammar al-Baluchi are others. The possibility of these accused escaping death penalty has caused great anger in families of 9/11 victims. "The families are outraged," said Debra Burlingame, sister of Charles "Chic" Burlingame, the pilot of one of the planes that were hijacked by the terrorists. "They don't want closure, they want justice." added Burlingame, as she spoke of angst of the families. She was quoted by CBS News. Watch | 21 years on, five accused of 9/11 attacks still remain in detention centre × However, as per the report, some families appear to be fine with the accused admitting that they are guilty, even if it means they evade the gallows. 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows said that a guilty plea "would be partly in recognition of the torture each of the defendants experienced" and bring "some measure of judicial finality." James Connell, lawyer for one of the accused appeared to hint at the possibility of a plea deal. He described the case as a "forever trial". He said that all the defendants were engaged in 'good faith negotiations" with the government. Also Read | 9/11 attacks: Biden lays wreath at Pentagon to honour lost lives on 21st anniversary Defendants' lawyer underline the 'interrogation' of the accused which critics say was extreme torture. A spokesperson of military trials reportedly did not answer questions on the matter of the plea deal but confirmed that "the parties are currently engaged in preliminary plea negotiations." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Five 9/11 attack accused in Guantanamo may escape death by way of plea deal: Report

Even after 21 years and 2,977 fatalities in the World Trade Centre twin towers and Pentagon attacks on September 11, 2001, the main accused Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is still awaiting trial. The 9/11 attack happened when four commercial aircraft were hijacked by 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists, who also carried out assaults across the country.

The first two hijacked aircraft crashed into the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, the third in Pentagon and the fourth&nbsp;headed for a federal facility in Washington, DC, crashed into a field instead.

Prior to Khalid's capture from his hideout in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in March 2003, he was one of the most wanted terrorists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recounting-traumatic-memories-of-911-facts-you-didnt-know-about-the-september-attack-515074">Also read |&nbsp;US: Recounting traumatic memories of 9/11, facts you didn't know about the September attack&nbsp;</a>

David Kelley, former US attorney in New York, condemned the government's ongoing inability to provide justice to the families of 9/11 victims, calling the situation a horrible tragedy for the families and a stain on the nation, ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to David, who co-chaired the extensive inquiry into the assaults, the victims' families have stated that they want closure.

One of the family members of the victims stated that it is necessary to reveal the truth about the attack and how it was executed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-and-a-money-trail-how-terrorists-planned-the-devastating-attacks-412286">Also read |&nbsp;9/11 attacks and the money trail: How terrorists got funds for the devastating strike</a>

The attack on 9/11 was carried out by Osama bin Laden's terrorist group, who trained the 19 individuals involved in the attack. The United States soon invaded Afghanistan to start a war on terrorism to find Laden and other Al-Qaeda militants. Several countries joined the US in its military operation in Afghanistan.

Laden was killed by US Navy SEALS on May 2, 2011, during a military operation at his hideout in Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Even after 21 years and 2,977 fatalities in the World Trade Centre twin towers and Pentagon attacks on September 11, 2001, the main accused Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is still awaiting trial.

Even after 21 years and 2,977 fatalities in the World Trade Centre twin towers and Pentagon attacks on September 11, 2001, the main accused Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is still awaiting trial. The 9/11 attack happened when four commercial aircraft were hijacked by 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists, who also carried out assaults across the country. The first two hijacked aircraft crashed into the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, the third in Pentagon and the fourth headed for a federal facility in Washington, DC, crashed into a field instead. Prior to Khalid's capture from his hideout in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in March 2003, he was one of the most wanted terrorists. Also read | US: Recounting traumatic memories of 9/11, facts you didn't know about the September attack David Kelley, former US attorney in New York, condemned the government's ongoing inability to provide justice to the families of 9/11 victims, calling the situation a horrible tragedy for the families and a stain on the nation, ANI reported. According to David, who co-chaired the extensive inquiry into the assaults, the victims' families have stated that they want closure. One of the family members of the victims stated that it is necessary to reveal the truth about the attack and how it was executed. Also read | 9/11 attacks and the money trail: How terrorists got funds for the devastating strike The attack on 9/11 was carried out by Osama bin Laden's terrorist group, who trained the 19 individuals involved in the attack. The United States soon invaded Afghanistan to start a war on terrorism to find Laden and other Al-Qaeda militants. Several countries joined the US in its military operation in Afghanistan. Laden was killed by US Navy SEALS on May 2, 2011, during a military operation at his hideout in Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 9/11 attack mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed still awaits trial, victims wait for closure 

Even after 21 years, the memories of September 11, or 9/11, remain the same: bitter, horrific, and of one of the worst encounters a country has had with terrorists.

This all began when, on September 11, 2001, two aircraft attacked the World Trade Center in New York, and a third aircraft crashed outside of Washington, DC, into the Pentagon while the fourth went down in Pennsylvania.

Who did this? Al-Qaeda, an Islamic extremist organisation led by Osama bin Laden and known for its terror, hijacked four aircraft and used them as a means for suicide attacks in the United States. It was claimed that Laden provided funds for the attack.

The attack claimed the lives of over 3,000 people and injured thousands more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-and-a-money-trail-how-terrorists-planned-the-devastating-attacks-412286">Also read |&nbsp;9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks</a>

Here are some facts you need to know about the 9/11 attack:

The CIA had informed President Clinton in his daily brief on December 4, 1998, that Laden was preparing to hijack US aircraft and was planning to conduct strikes.

The World Trade Centre was targeted earlier. On February 26, 1993, a bomb was placed in a car parked at the World Trade Centre, which when blasted claimed the lives of six people and injured over a thousand people. The Sunni terrorist, Ramzi Yousef, who deactivated the device, revealed that he intended to kill over 250,000 people, DNA reported.

The US tried multiple attempts to kill Osama bin Laden before 9/11, but was delayed and then revived, but was hampered by military leaders' reservations about relying on Aghan tribal chiefs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grief-is-the-price-we-pay-for-love-how-uks-queen-elizabeth-ii-paid-tribute-to-911-victims-in-2001-515051">Also read |&nbsp;'Grief is the price we pay for love': How UK's Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to 9/11 victims in 2001</a>

The fire lasted for 99 days at Ground Zero and was entirely put out on December 19, 2001.

Christine Hanson, a two-year-old, was the youngest passenger on United Airlines Flight 172, the hijacked aircraft.&nbsp;

The US lost 343 firefighters of the New York City Fire Department, nearly half of duty deaths in the department's 100-year history.

48 countries organised ceremonies on December 11, 2001, to commemorate the victims.

The renowned World Trade Centre twin towers in New York City were struck by two aircraft. The fall of the building was believed to have been caused by the damage caused by the Twin Towers. However, the structure was hit by the third plane.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Even after 21 years, the memories of September 11, or 9/11, remain the same: bitter, horrific, and of one of the worst encounters a country has had with terrorists.

Even after 21 years, the memories of September 11, or 9/11, remain the same: bitter, horrific, and of one of the worst encounters a country has had with terrorists. This all began when, on September 11, 2001, two aircraft attacked the World Trade Center in New York, and a third aircraft crashed outside of Washington, DC, into the Pentagon while the fourth went down in Pennsylvania. Who did this? Al-Qaeda, an Islamic extremist organisation led by Osama bin Laden and known for its terror, hijacked four aircraft and used them as a means for suicide attacks in the United States. It was claimed that Laden provided funds for the attack. The attack claimed the lives of over 3,000 people and injured thousands more. Also read | 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks Here are some facts you need to know about the 9/11 attack: The CIA had informed President Clinton in his daily brief on December 4, 1998, that Laden was preparing to hijack US aircraft and was planning to conduct strikes. The World Trade Centre was targeted earlier. On February 26, 1993, a bomb was placed in a car parked at the World Trade Centre, which when blasted claimed the lives of six people and injured over a thousand people. The Sunni terrorist, Ramzi Yousef, who deactivated the device, revealed that he intended to kill over 250,000 people, DNA reported. The US tried multiple attempts to kill Osama bin Laden before 9/11, but was delayed and then revived, but was hampered by military leaders' reservations about relying on Aghan tribal chiefs. Also read | 'Grief is the price we pay for love': How UK's Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to 9/11 victims in 2001 The fire lasted for 99 days at Ground Zero and was entirely put out on December 19, 2001. Christine Hanson, a two-year-old, was the youngest passenger on United Airlines Flight 172, the hijacked aircraft. The US lost 343 firefighters of the New York City Fire Department, nearly half of duty deaths in the department's 100-year history. 48 countries organised ceremonies on December 11, 2001, to commemorate the victims. The renowned World Trade Centre twin towers in New York City were struck by two aircraft. The fall of the building was believed to have been caused by the damage caused by the Twin Towers. However, the structure was hit by the third plane. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Recounting traumatic memories of 9/11, facts you didn't know about the September attack 

Karambir Kang, the general manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when the 26/11 attack occurred, urged all international communities to take action against terrorism and seek justice for the victims.

Kang, during his speech at the first UN Global Congress of Terrorism Victims, shared his bitter memories, including losing his family. He further said that the entire world witnessed the horrific incident that continued for over three days and nights and over 34 lives were lost. Adding to this, he further mentioned how bravely his staff members, armed with courage, stood strong without any weapons against the attackers. While many lives were lost, the colleagues managed to save thousands of lives that night.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-once-declared-dead-jailed-for-15-years-in-pakistan-491539">Also read |&nbsp;26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, once declared dead, jailed for 15 years in Pakistan</a>

In great sorrow, Kang mentioned his family. He said, "My wife and two young sons could not escape and perished during the attack, I lost everything," ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Karambir Kang was the General Manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks occurred. 
 
His remarks at the "Call to Action" yesterday at the opening of the 1st Global Congress of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VictimsofTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VictimsofTerrorism</a> at the UN, New York. <a href="https://t.co/rd9lsJgYYQ">pic.twitter.com/rd9lsJgYYQ</a>
— Ruchira Kamboj (@ruchirakamboj) <a href="https://twitter.com/ruchirakamboj/status/1568309853457907715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Kang continued that the firm and staff gathered global honours and spent nearly 14 long years seeking justice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-joint-statement-quad-condemns-terrorist-attacks-including-2611-mumbai-and-pathankot-attacks-481810">Also read |&nbsp;In joint statement, Quad condemns terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks</a>

In his closing remarks, Kang&nbsp;said, "Today I call upon the international community to work together to seek justice nationally and across borders, as our own act of defiance to the terrorism, we opened the hotel which was totally destroyed in 21 days." Further adding, "Member states must join us and defiance and ensure that there are no safe harbours for terrorists so that these heinous crimes are not given space to take root," ANI reported.

The UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism was convened under the patronage of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the New York headquarters on September 8 and 9, 2022 to pay tribute to all the victims of terror, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Karambir Kang, the general manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when the 26/11 attack occurred, urged all international communities to take action against terrorism and seek justice for the victims.

Karambir Kang, the general manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when the 26/11 attack occurred, urged all international communities to take action against terrorism and seek justice for the victims. Kang, during his speech at the first UN Global Congress of Terrorism Victims, shared his bitter memories, including losing his family. He further said that the entire world witnessed the horrific incident that continued for over three days and nights and over 34 lives were lost. Adding to this, he further mentioned how bravely his staff members, armed with courage, stood strong without any weapons against the attackers. While many lives were lost, the colleagues managed to save thousands of lives that night. Also read | 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind, once declared dead, jailed for 15 years in Pakistan In great sorrow, Kang mentioned his family. He said, "My wife and two young sons could not escape and perished during the attack, I lost everything," ANI reported. Karambir Kang was the General Manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai when the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks occurred. His remarks at the "Call to Action" yesterday at the opening of the 1st Global Congress of #VictimsofTerrorism at the UN, New York. pic.twitter.com/rd9lsJgYYQ — Ruchira Kamboj (@ruchirakamboj) September 9, 2022 × Kang continued that the firm and staff gathered global honours and spent nearly 14 long years seeking justice. Also read | In joint statement, Quad condemns terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks In his closing remarks, Kang said, "Today I call upon the international community to work together to seek justice nationally and across borders, as our own act of defiance to the terrorism, we opened the hotel which was totally destroyed in 21 days." Further adding, "Member states must join us and defiance and ensure that there are no safe harbours for terrorists so that these heinous crimes are not given space to take root," ANI reported. The UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism was convened under the patronage of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the New York headquarters on September 8 and 9, 2022 to pay tribute to all the victims of terror, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'I lost everything': Recounting bitter memories of 26/11, Karambir Kang urges for action to combat terrorism

Osama Bin Laden, a global terrorist, had planned a second strike on the United States shortly after the tragic 9/11 terror attack in 2001, which killed over 3,000 people.

After bin Laden's killing in 2011, US Navy SEALs found and declassified documents that indicated how the then-al-Qaeda leader supported the use of private jets rather than passenger planes to carry out a follow-up strike after 9/11.&nbsp;

The documents also revealed how bin Laden urged his followers to cut 12 metres off US railroad tracks in order to trigger a dramatic derailment that he thought would kill hundreds of people.

The train derailment plot was first reported in 2011, when it was claimed that bin Laden planned to send a crowded train careening off a bridge into a valley. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/osama-bin-ladens-son-held-meetings-with-taliban-in-afghanistan-last-year-un-report-450759">Also read | Osama bin Laden’s son held meetings with Taliban in Afghanistan last year: UN report</a>

Nelly Lahoud, a diligent Al-Qaeda researcher, combed through thousands of Osama Bin Laden's personal letters and notes taken by US Navy SEALs in Pakistan 11 years ago.

According to Nelly, Osama bin Laden was likewise startled by the way the US conducted its attacks in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Watch | How America's pursuit of Bin Laden ended in Abbottabad

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According to the released documents, the Al-Qaeda chief believed that American citizens would take to the streets and put pressure on their government to leave the Muslim-majority country.

The records also stated that since the United States was behind him, Osama did not communicate with his associates for three years. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-and-a-money-trail-how-terrorists-planned-the-devastating-attacks-412286">Also read | 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks</a>

In 2010, Osama planned another attack in the Middle East and Africa, this time targeting many crude oil tankers and significant transportation routes.

He had advised that the operators impersonate fishermen in the port districts. He'd even told his subordinates where to find certain boats that could evade radar.

Following Osama bin Laden's death, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama's second-in-command, is in charge of Al-Qaeda.

Osama Bin Laden, a global terrorist, had planned a second strike on the United States shortly after the tragic 9/11 terror attack in 2001, which killed over 3,000 people.

Osama Bin Laden, a global terrorist, had planned a second strike on the United States shortly after the tragic 9/11 terror attack in 2001, which killed over 3,000 people. After bin Laden's killing in 2011, US Navy SEALs found and declassified documents that indicated how the then-al-Qaeda leader supported the use of private jets rather than passenger planes to carry out a follow-up strike after 9/11. The documents also revealed how bin Laden urged his followers to cut 12 metres off US railroad tracks in order to trigger a dramatic derailment that he thought would kill hundreds of people. The train derailment plot was first reported in 2011, when it was claimed that bin Laden planned to send a crowded train careening off a bridge into a valley. Also read | Osama bin Laden’s son held meetings with Taliban in Afghanistan last year: UN report Nelly Lahoud, a diligent Al-Qaeda researcher, combed through thousands of Osama Bin Laden's personal letters and notes taken by US Navy SEALs in Pakistan 11 years ago. According to Nelly, Osama bin Laden was likewise startled by the way the US conducted its attacks in Afghanistan. Watch | How America's pursuit of Bin Laden ended in Abbottabad According to the released documents, the Al-Qaeda chief believed that American citizens would take to the streets and put pressure on their government to leave the Muslim-majority country. The records also stated that since the United States was behind him, Osama did not communicate with his associates for three years. Also read | 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks In 2010, Osama planned another attack in the Middle East and Africa, this time targeting many crude oil tankers and significant transportation routes. He had advised that the operators impersonate fishermen in the port districts. He'd even told his subordinates where to find certain boats that could evade radar. Following Osama bin Laden's death, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama's second-in-command, is in charge of Al-Qaeda.

Osama bin Laden's second strike plans against US after 9/11 revealed: Derail trains, blow up oil tankers

A blind psychic, Baba Vanga, predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would become 'Lord of the World'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If you are wondering, why is it crucial? The right answer is that Vanga, in the past, had made many correct predictions. &nbsp;

She foresaw Russian war in Ukraine, 9/11, etc. Vanga also 'saw' natural disasters and warned the world about the conflicts before their occurrence. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anything-possible-security-guards-turn-art-museum-curators-in-us-466239" hreflang="en">Anything possible? Security guards turn art museum curators in US</a>

Vanga died at the age of 85 and was known as 'Nostradamus of the Balkans'. In the latest development, it seems to have been suggested that she predicted Vladimir Putin and Russia will one day dominate the world. &nbsp;

“All will thaw, as if ice, only one remain untouched - Vladimir’s glory, glory of Russia. Too much, it is brought in a victim. Nobody can stop Russia. All will be removed by her from the way and not only will be kept, but also becomes the lord of the world,” Vanga in a meeting with writer Valentin Sidorov, said in 1979, BirminghamLive reported. &nbsp;

Vanga had predicted glorious future for Russia once more, the Daily Post reported. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ukrainian ballerinas find a new shelter at Berlin’s top ballet company

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Russia will be the world’s only superpower, as per the clairvoyant. &nbsp;

Baba Vanga, who was born as Vangelia Gushterova, was blinded after getting caught up in a freak tornado in her childhood. &nbsp;

It was believed that she had the ability to foresee the future. She reportedly made hundreds of predictions in 50-year-long career. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A blind psychic, Baba Vanga, predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would become 'Lord of the World'. If you are wondering, why is it crucial? The right answer is that Vanga, in the past, had made many correct predictions.

A blind psychic, Baba Vanga, predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would become 'Lord of the World'. If you are wondering, why is it crucial? The right answer is that Vanga, in the past, had made many correct predictions. She foresaw Russian war in Ukraine, 9/11, etc. Vanga also 'saw' natural disasters and warned the world about the conflicts before their occurrence. Also Read: Anything possible? Security guards turn art museum curators in US Vanga died at the age of 85 and was known as 'Nostradamus of the Balkans'. In the latest development, it seems to have been suggested that she predicted Vladimir Putin and Russia will one day dominate the world. “All will thaw, as if ice, only one remain untouched - Vladimir’s glory, glory of Russia. Too much, it is brought in a victim. Nobody can stop Russia. All will be removed by her from the way and not only will be kept, but also becomes the lord of the world,” Vanga in a meeting with writer Valentin Sidorov, said in 1979, BirminghamLive reported. Vanga had predicted glorious future for Russia once more, the Daily Post reported. Watch: Ukrainian ballerinas find a new shelter at Berlin’s top ballet company × Russia will be the world’s only superpower, as per the clairvoyant. Baba Vanga, who was born as Vangelia Gushterova, was blinded after getting caught up in a freak tornado in her childhood. It was believed that she had the ability to foresee the future. She reportedly made hundreds of predictions in 50-year-long career. (With inputs from agencies)

Known for 9/11 prediction, blind psychic Baba Vanga said Vladimir Putin would become 'Lord of the World'  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II. Meanwhile, Kremlin said the war in Ukraine was "going to plan" amid talk of compromise at peace talks.

During an emotional and impassioned video address to the US Congress, Zelensky said, "In your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians, understand us now when we need you right now."&nbsp;

"Remember Pearl Harbor. The terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you," Zelensky said, adding that the attacks on September 11, 2001 "turned your cities, independent territories into battlefields."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-russia-attacks-mariupol-theatre-sheltering-hundreds-of-civilians-see-satellite-image-463012">Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image</a>

The Ukrainian President said that his country is seeing such horrors every day. "Our country experiences the same every day. Right now, every day, every night for three weeks now ... Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death of thousands of people," he said.&nbsp;

Zelensky pleaded with allies to impose a no-fly zone and also showed the extent of devastation in Ukraine. wrought. He received a standing ovation from US lawmakers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cancels-license-of-china-owned-telecom-company-462991">US cancels license of China-owned telecom company</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (March 16) said he would discuss neutral status for Ukraine and that what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize the country was "going to plan".&nbsp;

Kyiv and allies say his actions are an unprovoked incursion, and more than three million Ukrainians have fled and hundreds have died.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible?

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II. Meanwhile, Kremlin said the war in Ukraine was "going to plan" amid talk of compromise at peace talks. During an emotional and impassioned video address to the US Congress, Zelensky said, "In your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians, understand us now when we need you right now." "Remember Pearl Harbor. The terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you," Zelensky said, adding that the attacks on September 11, 2001 "turned your cities, independent territories into battlefields." ALSO READ | Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image The Ukrainian President said that his country is seeing such horrors every day. "Our country experiences the same every day. Right now, every day, every night for three weeks now ... Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death of thousands of people," he said. Zelensky pleaded with allies to impose a no-fly zone and also showed the extent of devastation in Ukraine. wrought. He received a standing ovation from US lawmakers. ALSO READ | US cancels license of China-owned telecom company Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (March 16) said he would discuss neutral status for Ukraine and that what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize the country was "going to plan". Kyiv and allies say his actions are an unprovoked incursion, and more than three million Ukrainians have fled and hundreds have died. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible? × (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky compares Russian invasion to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attack; Putin says invasion on course

Prosecutors have opened talks with lawyers for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and his four co-defendants to negotiate a potential plea agreement that would drop the possibility of execution, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

Guilty pleas in exchange for life sentences could bring to an end the long-running case at the war court, which was set up by the George W. Bush administration and has been mired in pretrial proceedings focusing on the CIA’s torture of the defendants. Nearly a decade after the men were arraigned, the military judge has set no trial start date.

No deal is expected soon. But guilty pleas resulting in life sentences could force the Biden administration to modify its ambition of ending detention operations at Guantánamo Bay and instead rebrand it as a military prison for a few men.

In an earlier, failed attempt at such talks during the Trump administration, the accused plotters demanded that they serve their sentences at Guantánamo, where they are able to pray and eat in groups. They specifically did not want to be sent to the supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, where federal inmates are held in solitary confinement up to 23 hours a day.

The five men are accused of directing and training or providing travel arrangements and money to the 19 hijackers who crashed four commercial aircraft into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people.

A plea deal would undoubtedly disappoint, if not enrage, death penalty advocates among the victims’ family members. But other family members, including those troubled by the role of U.S. torture in the case and the delays, might see it as a fitting conclusion.

The path to a trial for the accused plotters of the worst terrorist attack in the United States has been impeded by legal and logistic challenges as well as a nearly two-year closure of the court during the coronavirus pandemic.

The discussions began last week amid the latest setback. The judge, defense and prosecution teams had travelled to Guantánamo Bay for three weeks of hearings meant to address disputes over evidence, particularly showing the role of the FBI in the CIA prison network where Mohammed and his co-defendants were tortured after they were captured in Pakistan in 2002 and 2003.

But before they could start, Cheryl Bormann, the lead lawyer for one of the defendants, Walid bin Attash, asked to step down from the case. She cited an unspecified in-house investigation of her “performance and conduct” by the chief defense counsel, Brig. Gen. Jackie L. Thompson Jr. of the Army.

No details were given. But the issue forced a delay in hearings that could stretch for months and provided an opening, according to a participant in the talks between the prosecution and the defense.

A lead case prosecutor, Clayton G. Trivett Jr., wrote on Wednesday to the defense teams proposing that they discuss “whether pretrial agreements are possible for all five cases.”

“While I cannot guarantee that we will come to terms over these next two weeks,” Trivett said in an email, “putting a concerted effort focused solely on possible agreements while we are all onboard Guantánamo, where your clients and teams are present, may be our best chance of at least determining if deals can be reached.”

Within days, the five defendants and their lawyers met in the courtroom to compile an initial list of requirements for the guilty plea, starting with removing the death penalty from the case. Lawyers for the five men submitted a joint list on Monday, participants said.

Although the prosecutors have begun the negotiations, a senior Pentagon official known as the convening authority must approve any deal. That role is currently held by Col. Jeffrey D. Wood of the Arkansas National Guard, who is also a lawyer in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was appointed to the civilian job by the Trump administration. Participants said the talks were expected to continue through the month to try to reach some understandings to present to Wood.

The interim chief prosecutor, Col. George C. Kraehe of the Army, declined to comment, as did the chief defense counsel, Thompson.

A core issue is how many of the defendants besides Mohammed would serve life sentences without the possibility of parole and whether some of the accused accomplices with lesser roles in the attacks would serve shorter sentences. Lawyers for two defendants — a Saudi prisoner, Mustafa al-Hawsawi, and a Pakistani national, Ammar al-Baluchi, who is Mohammed’s nephew — have described them as ignorant of the Sept. 11 plot when they helped some of the hijackers with money transfers and travel arrangements from the United Arab Emirates.

Psychologists conducting interrogations for the CIA waterboarded Mohammed 183 times; defense lawyers have pursued an overarching theory that because of its actions, the U.S. government lost the moral and legal authority to execute the defendants. Agents also kept the five defendants nude, beat them, strung them up by their arms in chains and subjected them to rectal abuse and sleep deprivation during the three and four years they were held in the so-called CIA black sites before their transfer to Guantánamo in 2006.

As part of any plea agreement, the defendants would have to work with prosecutors, through their lawyers, on individual lengthy narratives known as a stipulation of fact — essentially a prosecution-approved admission of their crimes.

Once signed, the men could be brought to court for questioning by the trial judge, Col. Matthew N. McCall of the Air Force, on whether they cooperated willingly with the process. Under war court law, military juries — not judges — sentence defendants who plead guilty, generally from a range set in the plea agreement. The Pentagon would need to assemble a jury of U.S. officers to hear the statements and other presentations by both sides and then issue sentences, even if they are separately capped in secret pretrial agreements. That portion could span months.

People familiar with the talks said a military jury’s recent reaction to descriptions of CIA torture of another prisoner in a lesser-known case might have contributed to the willingness of prosecutors to negotiate.

In October, the jury condemned as “a stain on the moral fiber of America” the agency’s cruel treatment of Majid Khan, a confessed courier for al-Qaida, and urged the overseer of military commissions to grant clemency.

Prosecutors have opened talks with lawyers for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and his four co-defendants to negotiate a potential plea agreement that would drop the possibility of execution, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

Prosecutors have opened talks with lawyers for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and his four co-defendants to negotiate a potential plea agreement that would drop the possibility of execution, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. Guilty pleas in exchange for life sentences could bring to an end the long-running case at the war court, which was set up by the George W. Bush administration and has been mired in pretrial proceedings focusing on the CIA’s torture of the defendants. Nearly a decade after the men were arraigned, the military judge has set no trial start date. No deal is expected soon. But guilty pleas resulting in life sentences could force the Biden administration to modify its ambition of ending detention operations at Guantánamo Bay and instead rebrand it as a military prison for a few men. In an earlier, failed attempt at such talks during the Trump administration, the accused plotters demanded that they serve their sentences at Guantánamo, where they are able to pray and eat in groups. They specifically did not want to be sent to the supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, where federal inmates are held in solitary confinement up to 23 hours a day. The five men are accused of directing and training or providing travel arrangements and money to the 19 hijackers who crashed four commercial aircraft into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people. A plea deal would undoubtedly disappoint, if not enrage, death penalty advocates among the victims’ family members. But other family members, including those troubled by the role of U.S. torture in the case and the delays, might see it as a fitting conclusion. The path to a trial for the accused plotters of the worst terrorist attack in the United States has been impeded by legal and logistic challenges as well as a nearly two-year closure of the court during the coronavirus pandemic. The discussions began last week amid the latest setback. The judge, defense and prosecution teams had travelled to Guantánamo Bay for three weeks of hearings meant to address disputes over evidence, particularly showing the role of the FBI in the CIA prison network where Mohammed and his co-defendants were tortured after they were captured in Pakistan in 2002 and 2003. But before they could start, Cheryl Bormann, the lead lawyer for one of the defendants, Walid bin Attash, asked to step down from the case. She cited an unspecified in-house investigation of her “performance and conduct” by the chief defense counsel, Brig. Gen. Jackie L. Thompson Jr. of the Army. No details were given. But the issue forced a delay in hearings that could stretch for months and provided an opening, according to a participant in the talks between the prosecution and the defense. A lead case prosecutor, Clayton G. Trivett Jr., wrote on Wednesday to the defense teams proposing that they discuss “whether pretrial agreements are possible for all five cases.” “While I cannot guarantee that we will come to terms over these next two weeks,” Trivett said in an email, “putting a concerted effort focused solely on possible agreements while we are all onboard Guantánamo, where your clients and teams are present, may be our best chance of at least determining if deals can be reached.” Within days, the five defendants and their lawyers met in the courtroom to compile an initial list of requirements for the guilty plea, starting with removing the death penalty from the case. Lawyers for the five men submitted a joint list on Monday, participants said. Although the prosecutors have begun the negotiations, a senior Pentagon official known as the convening authority must approve any deal. That role is currently held by Col. Jeffrey D. Wood of the Arkansas National Guard, who is also a lawyer in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was appointed to the civilian job by the Trump administration. Participants said the talks were expected to continue through the month to try to reach some understandings to present to Wood. The interim chief prosecutor, Col. George C. Kraehe of the Army, declined to comment, as did the chief defense counsel, Thompson. A core issue is how many of the defendants besides Mohammed would serve life sentences without the possibility of parole and whether some of the accused accomplices with lesser roles in the attacks would serve shorter sentences. Lawyers for two defendants — a Saudi prisoner, Mustafa al-Hawsawi, and a Pakistani national, Ammar al-Baluchi, who is Mohammed’s nephew — have described them as ignorant of the Sept. 11 plot when they helped some of the hijackers with money transfers and travel arrangements from the United Arab Emirates. Psychologists conducting interrogations for the CIA waterboarded Mohammed 183 times; defense lawyers have pursued an overarching theory that because of its actions, the U.S. government lost the moral and legal authority to execute the defendants. Agents also kept the five defendants nude, beat them, strung them up by their arms in chains and subjected them to rectal abuse and sleep deprivation during the three and four years they were held in the so-called CIA black sites before their transfer to Guantánamo in 2006. As part of any plea agreement, the defendants would have to work with prosecutors, through their lawyers, on individual lengthy narratives known as a stipulation of fact — essentially a prosecution-approved admission of their crimes. Once signed, the men could be brought to court for questioning by the trial judge, Col. Matthew N. McCall of the Air Force, on whether they cooperated willingly with the process. Under war court law, military juries — not judges — sentence defendants who plead guilty, generally from a range set in the plea agreement. The Pentagon would need to assemble a jury of U.S. officers to hear the statements and other presentations by both sides and then issue sentences, even if they are separately capped in secret pretrial agreements. That portion could span months. People familiar with the talks said a military jury’s recent reaction to descriptions of CIA torture of another prisoner in a lesser-known case might have contributed to the willingness of prosecutors to negotiate. In October, the jury condemned as “a stain on the moral fiber of America” the agency’s cruel treatment of Majid Khan, a confessed courier for al-Qaida, and urged the overseer of military commissions to grant clemency.

Sept. 11 prosecutors are in plea talks that could avert a death penalty trial

From torture to deeply contentious political issue: Guantanamo Bay completes 20 years

An American teacher was suspended earlier this month after being accused of saying, "We don't negotiate with terrorists," in response to a query from an Arab-Muslim kid in math class.

According to CNN, the alleged incident occurred at Ridgefield Memorial High School, in New Jersey when Mohammed Zubi, 17, requested the teaching assistant whether the class might have more time to do an assignment. 
 
<a href="Also read | Islamophobia: A fungible prop for Muslim religious soft power">Also read | Islamophobia: A fungible prop for Muslim religious soft power</a>

"He responded by saying, 'we don't negotiate with terrorists,' so I looked around in shock. There were people laughing, and there were other people in shock, and I turned around and asked my friend, 'Did he really just say that?' and she said yes," Mohammed Zubi told to WABC-TV. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/has-islamophobia-become-a-political-tool-382813">Also read | Has Islamophobia become a political tool?</a>

"I don’t want to see anyone, and I’ve been in my room all day – don’t want to see my friends, especially after what that teacher said to me," he added.

Ridgefield School District confirmed the teacher's suspension and stated that it "fully intends to pursue any and all legal measures." 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Artificial Intelligence is racist and islamophobic

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According to a statement released on October 22, Executive Director Selaedin Maksut of the Council on American Islamic Relations in New Jersey asked for a transparent inquiry.

In addition, the advocacy organisation provided the district "Islamophobia and bullying training for its teachers and employees."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An American teacher was suspended earlier this month after being accused of saying, "We don't negotiate with terrorists," in response to a query from an Arab-Muslim kid in math class.

An American teacher was suspended earlier this month after being accused of saying, "We don't negotiate with terrorists," in response to a query from an Arab-Muslim kid in math class. According to CNN, the alleged incident occurred at Ridgefield Memorial High School, in New Jersey when Mohammed Zubi, 17, requested the teaching assistant whether the class might have more time to do an assignment. Also read | Islamophobia: A fungible prop for Muslim religious soft power "He responded by saying, 'we don't negotiate with terrorists,' so I looked around in shock. There were people laughing, and there were other people in shock, and I turned around and asked my friend, 'Did he really just say that?' and she said yes," Mohammed Zubi told to WABC-TV. Also read | Has Islamophobia become a political tool? "I don’t want to see anyone, and I’ve been in my room all day – don’t want to see my friends, especially after what that teacher said to me," he added. Ridgefield School District confirmed the teacher's suspension and stated that it "fully intends to pursue any and all legal measures." Watch | Gravitas: Artificial Intelligence is racist and islamophobic According to a statement released on October 22, Executive Director Selaedin Maksut of the Council on American Islamic Relations in New Jersey asked for a transparent inquiry. In addition, the advocacy organisation provided the district "Islamophobia and bullying training for its teachers and employees." (With inputs from agencies)

US teacher suspended for telling Muslim student 'we don't negotiate with terrorists'

ISIS-K, the Islamic State's Afghanistan offshoot, might strike American targets in as little as six months, while al-Qaeda can also improve its capabilities, according to a US Department of Defence official.

On Tuesday, Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of Defense for policy, said before the Senate Armed Services Committee that neither terror organisation poses an immediate danger, but that they must be treated seriously since that might change in a short period.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | ISIS bride convicted in German court for letting 5-year-old Yazidi girl die of thirst

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"I think the intelligence community currently assesses that both ISIS-K and al Qaeda have the intent to conduct external operations, including against the United States. But neither currently can do so, " Kahl said.&nbsp;

"We could see ISIS-K generate that capability in somewhere between six or 12 months. I think the current assessment by the intelligence community is that al Qaeda would take a year or two to reconstitute that capability. " 
 
Watch | Gravitas: The Islamic State has China on its hit list

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Following the Taliban's accession to power and the US military's exit from Afghanistan, Kahl is the latest intelligence or military figure to offer insight into the potential development of Afghan terror threats. 
Many of these evaluations disclose a timeframe that runs for roughly a year.&nbsp;

Despite the terror organisations' alleged intents, Kahl stated that the risk of an assault on American territory "is at its lowest point since September 11, 2001."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

ISIS-K, the Islamic State's Afghanistan offshoot, might strike American targets in as little as six months, while al-Qaeda can also improve its capabilities, according to a US Department of Defence official.

ISIS-K, the Islamic State's Afghanistan offshoot, might strike American targets in as little as six months, while al-Qaeda can also improve its capabilities, according to a US Department of Defence official. On Tuesday, Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of Defense for policy, said before the Senate Armed Services Committee that neither terror organisation poses an immediate danger, but that they must be treated seriously since that might change in a short period. Watch | ISIS bride convicted in German court for letting 5-year-old Yazidi girl die of thirst "I think the intelligence community currently assesses that both ISIS-K and al Qaeda have the intent to conduct external operations, including against the United States. But neither currently can do so, " Kahl said. "We could see ISIS-K generate that capability in somewhere between six or 12 months. I think the current assessment by the intelligence community is that al Qaeda would take a year or two to reconstitute that capability. " Watch | Gravitas: The Islamic State has China on its hit list Following the Taliban's accession to power and the US military's exit from Afghanistan, Kahl is the latest intelligence or military figure to offer insight into the potential development of Afghan terror threats. Many of these evaluations disclose a timeframe that runs for roughly a year. Despite the terror organisations' alleged intents, Kahl stated that the risk of an assault on American territory "is at its lowest point since September 11, 2001." (With inputs from agencies)

ISIS-K could have the capability to attack the US within '6-12 months': Pentagon

The pretrial&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;in the case against accused&nbsp;9/11&nbsp;attacks mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others was&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;amid&nbsp;a coronavirus&nbsp;scare&nbsp;in the courtroom at the US naval base in&nbsp;Guantanamo&nbsp;Bay, Cuba.

An official of the Office of Military Commissions, which conducts the&nbsp;Guantanamo&nbsp;trials, said that the confirmed infection of a media reporter who was at the court all last week and the suspected infection of another person who had been in the courtroom caused the judge to halt the&nbsp;hearing.

It would have been the final day after two weeks in which the new judge, Air Force Colonel Matthew McCall, sought to get the long-festering case back on track after an 18-month delay due to the pandemic.

It was not yet known how other military tribunals of&nbsp;Guantanamo&nbsp;detainees would be affected,&nbsp;amid&nbsp;an effort to advance prosecutions two decades after the devastating Al-Qaeda attacks on September&nbsp;11, 2001.

There are 39 detainees still at the base, with 10 facing&nbsp;trial&nbsp;currently. Four of the five in the September&nbsp;11&nbsp;trial&nbsp;have been vaccinated, according to attorneys.

The Pentagon has also struggled to get all of its military and civilian staff vaccinated, and is only implementing a mandatory vaccination policy beginning this month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-angry-france-cancels-gala-event-in-washington-413759">Also read |&nbsp;Aukus: Angry France cancels gala event in Washington</a>

According to Military Times, nearly half, 20&nbsp;of the 46 service member deaths from coronavirus died since mid-July, as the Delta variant has spread.

None of the deaths were of people fully vaccinated.

Like other US military bases,&nbsp;Guantanamo, with a population of about 6,000, has suffered its share of&nbsp;Covid-19 cases despite being relatively isolated, both from the rest of Cuba and the US mainland.

The military tribunals though require defense and prosecution attorneys, legal aides, stenographers, judges and others to fly in to the base for the hearings, though a new electronically-linked remote&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;room was just opened just outside Washington to allow for participation by video feed.

On a visit to the&nbsp;Guantanamo&nbsp;Bay Base last week, reporters were guided by two civilian public affairs officials who said they were not vaccinated and who often went maskless, indoors and outdoors.

The pretrial hearing in the case against accused 9/11 attacks mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others was suspended Friday amid a coronavirus scare in the courtroom at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The pretrial hearing in the case against accused 9/11 attacks mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others was suspended Friday amid a coronavirus scare in the courtroom at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. An official of the Office of Military Commissions, which conducts the Guantanamo trials, said that the confirmed infection of a media reporter who was at the court all last week and the suspected infection of another person who had been in the courtroom caused the judge to halt the hearing. It would have been the final day after two weeks in which the new judge, Air Force Colonel Matthew McCall, sought to get the long-festering case back on track after an 18-month delay due to the pandemic. It was not yet known how other military tribunals of Guantanamo detainees would be affected, amid an effort to advance prosecutions two decades after the devastating Al-Qaeda attacks on September 11, 2001. There are 39 detainees still at the base, with 10 facing trial currently. Four of the five in the September 11 trial have been vaccinated, according to attorneys. The Pentagon has also struggled to get all of its military and civilian staff vaccinated, and is only implementing a mandatory vaccination policy beginning this month. Also read | Aukus: Angry France cancels gala event in Washington According to Military Times, nearly half, 20 of the 46 service member deaths from coronavirus died since mid-July, as the Delta variant has spread. None of the deaths were of people fully vaccinated. Like other US military bases, Guantanamo, with a population of about 6,000, has suffered its share of Covid-19 cases despite being relatively isolated, both from the rest of Cuba and the US mainland. The military tribunals though require defense and prosecution attorneys, legal aides, stenographers, judges and others to fly in to the base for the hearings, though a new electronically-linked remote hearing room was just opened just outside Washington to allow for participation by video feed. On a visit to the Guantanamo Bay Base last week, reporters were guided by two civilian public affairs officials who said they were not vaccinated and who often went maskless, indoors and outdoors.

Guantanamo 9/11 trial suspended amid COVID-19 scare

To mark the moment at 0846 local time (1246 GMT) when the first of two planes hit the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the Bell of Hope rang out at St Paul's Chapel in New York on Saturday morning. &nbsp;

Rev Phillip Jackson, the priest-in-charge and vicar from nearby Trinity Church Wall Street, led the prayer service and remembrance on the 20th anniversary of the deadly attacks. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The 9/11 terror attacks: 3 hours that changed the world

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On every anniversary since 2002, the Bell of Hope has been rung when it was presented to New York City by London to honour the nearly 3,000 people, who died in the attacks. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack. They all shared a moment of silence on the occasion. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-911-us-failed-to-achieve-goals-in-afghanistan-taliban-general-412424" hreflang="en">After 9/11, US failed 'to achieve goals' in Afghanistan: Taliban General</a>

These leaders gathered at the site where the World Trade Centre towers fell two decades ago. They also wore blue ribbons and held hands over hearts. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Watched by hundreds of Americans gathered at the remembrance, a procession also marched with a flag at the memorial. Some people also carried photos of loved ones lost in the attacks. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To mark the moment at 0846 local time (1246 GMT) when the first of two planes hit the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the Bell of Hope rang out at St Paul's Chapel in New York on Saturday morning.

To mark the moment at 0846 local time (1246 GMT) when the first of two planes hit the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the Bell of Hope rang out at St Paul's Chapel in New York on Saturday morning. Rev Phillip Jackson, the priest-in-charge and vicar from nearby Trinity Church Wall Street, led the prayer service and remembrance on the 20th anniversary of the deadly attacks. Watch | The 9/11 terror attacks: 3 hours that changed the world × On every anniversary since 2002, the Bell of Hope has been rung when it was presented to New York City by London to honour the nearly 3,000 people, who died in the attacks. Meanwhile, US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack. They all shared a moment of silence on the occasion. Also Read | After 9/11, US failed 'to achieve goals' in Afghanistan: Taliban General These leaders gathered at the site where the World Trade Centre towers fell two decades ago. They also wore blue ribbons and held hands over hearts. Watched by hundreds of Americans gathered at the remembrance, a procession also marched with a flag at the memorial. Some people also carried photos of loved ones lost in the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

On 9/11 anniversary, Bell of Hope rings at St Paul's Chapel in New York  

After the September 11 attacks, the United States involvement in Afghanistan did not bring peace and stability to the region and the Americans did not "achieve their goals", said the Taliban on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While speaking during a walk around the grounds of the now-deserted US Embassy in Kabul on the 20th anniversary of the attacks in the US, a Taliban general said the Americans' goal was to "topple" China, Russia, Iran and all the countries of Central Asia, instead of the former Taliban government in 2001, but they were unsuccessful. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;20 years since the 9/11 horror, the deadliest attack on US Soil

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"We will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against our neighbours, Pakistan or Iran," the general said, saying they had no fear of further conflict with any group. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Taliban raised its flag on the Afghan presidential palace in Kabul on Saturday.&nbsp;The development comes as the groups strengthens its grip on the country after it took over its control last month. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been also put on high alert as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. The city has been facing the danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-display-of-unity-biden-obama-clinton-mark-911-anniversary-in-nyc-412414" hreflang="en">With display of unity, Biden, Obama, Clinton mark 9/11 anniversary in NYC</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

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. &nbsp; &nbsp;

An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After the September 11 attacks, the United States involvement in Afghanistan did not bring peace and stability to the region and the Americans did not "achieve their goals", said the Taliban on Saturday.

After the September 11 attacks, the United States involvement in Afghanistan did not bring peace and stability to the region and the Americans did not "achieve their goals", said the Taliban on Saturday. While speaking during a walk around the grounds of the now-deserted US Embassy in Kabul on the 20th anniversary of the attacks in the US, a Taliban general said the Americans' goal was to "topple" China, Russia, Iran and all the countries of Central Asia, instead of the former Taliban government in 2001, but they were unsuccessful. Watch: 20 years since the 9/11 horror, the deadliest attack on US Soil × "We will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against our neighbours, Pakistan or Iran," the general said, saying they had no fear of further conflict with any group. Meanwhile, the Taliban raised its flag on the Afghan presidential palace in Kabul on Saturday. The development comes as the groups strengthens its grip on the country after it took over its control last month. Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, has been also put on high alert as the threat of a possible terror attack looms over the city. The city has been facing the danger of a possible attack from ISIS-K militants. Also Read: With display of unity, Biden, Obama, Clinton mark 9/11 anniversary in NYC 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. An attack can take place in some crowded place by ISIS-K on the anniversary of the 9/11 attack. (With inputs from agencies)

After 9/11, US failed 'to achieve goals' in Afghanistan: Taliban General

On the 20th anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington by Al Qaeda,&nbsp;the FBI on Saturday released newly declassified documents on investigations related to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-911-anniversary-bell-of-hope-rings-at-st-pauls-chapel-in-new-york-412437">9/11 attacks</a> and the possible role of Saudi Arabia.

The April 4, 2016 report was heavily redacted as it detailed how hijackers received logistical support ahead of the 9/11 attacks.

The families of the victims had demanded the report having the sued Saudi Arabia for alleged complicity in the attacks suspecting the role of Saudi officials&nbsp;in the attack.

Watch:

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The memo put down details of contacts between Bayoumi and the two hijackers - Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Midhar.&nbsp;

The identity of the source behind the interviews was categorised as classified by the US government. The documents wasn't released by earlier US administrations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-to-explain-to-anybody-biden-defends-us-pullout-from-afghanistan-on-911-anniversary-412447">Biden&nbsp;</a>had asked the Justice Department and other agencies to conduct a declassification review in order to release the report.&nbsp;

According to the report, "Bayoumi's assistance to Hamzi and Midha included translation, travel, lodging and financing" as FBI's anonymous source said Bayoumi often talked about "jihad."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-and-a-money-trail-how-terrorists-planned-the-devastating-attacks-412286">Also Read: 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks</a>

Omar al-Bayoumi reportedly helped Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Midhar find an apartment in San Diego.&nbsp;The document however did not put down a clear link between the Saudi government and the hijackers.

The victim's lawyer Jim Kreindler&nbsp;however&nbsp;blamed the Saudi government, saying: "The findings and conclusions in this FBI investigation validate the arguments we have made in the litigation regarding the Saudi government’s responsibility for the 9/11 attacks."

The FBI memo reported that telephone numbers associated with the anonymous source indicated contact with a number of people who assisted Hamzi and Midhar in California. Bayoumi and Thumairy also reportedly provided help to Hamzi and Midhar.&nbsp;

Fahad al Thumairy was reportedly an imam at the King Faad mosque in Los Angeles and allegedly an official at the Saudi consulate.&nbsp;The FBI in its report said the source informed that Bayoumi apart from being a student had "very high status" in the Saudi consulate.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

On the 20th anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington by Al Qaeda, the FBI on Saturday released newly declassified documents on investigations related to the 9/11 attacks and the possible role of Saudi Arabia.

On the 20th anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington by Al Qaeda, the FBI on Saturday released newly declassified documents on investigations related to the 9/11 attacks and the possible role of Saudi Arabia. The April 4, 2016 report was heavily redacted as it detailed how hijackers received logistical support ahead of the 9/11 attacks. The families of the victims had demanded the report having the sued Saudi Arabia for alleged complicity in the attacks suspecting the role of Saudi officials in the attack. Watch: The memo put down details of contacts between Bayoumi and the two hijackers - Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Midhar. The identity of the source behind the interviews was categorised as classified by the US government. The documents wasn't released by earlier US administrations. Biden had asked the Justice Department and other agencies to conduct a declassification review in order to release the report. According to the report, "Bayoumi's assistance to Hamzi and Midha included translation, travel, lodging and financing" as FBI's anonymous source said Bayoumi often talked about "jihad." Also Read: 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks Omar al-Bayoumi reportedly helped Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Midhar find an apartment in San Diego. The document however did not put down a clear link between the Saudi government and the hijackers. The victim's lawyer Jim Kreindler however blamed the Saudi government, saying: "The findings and conclusions in this FBI investigation validate the arguments we have made in the litigation regarding the Saudi government’s responsibility for the 9/11 attacks." The FBI memo reported that telephone numbers associated with the anonymous source indicated contact with a number of people who assisted Hamzi and Midhar in California. Bayoumi and Thumairy also reportedly provided help to Hamzi and Midhar. Fahad al Thumairy was reportedly an imam at the King Faad mosque in Los Angeles and allegedly an official at the Saudi consulate. The FBI in its report said the source informed that Bayoumi apart from being a student had "very high status" in the Saudi consulate. (With inputs from Agencies)

9/11 attacks: FBI releases newly declassified record

Leylah Fernandez may have come up short in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, but the Canadian teen won over the New York crowd after the match when she paid homage to the city`s resilience on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. 
 
The 19-year-old Fernandez, speaking on court moments after her improbable run came to an end, appeared to be done with her post-match interview until she asked for the microphone back so she could address the crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. 
 
"I know on this day it was especially hard for New York and everyone around the United States," said Fernandez, who fell 6-4 6-3 to British teenager Emma Raducanu. 
 
"I just want to say that I hope I can be as strong and as resilient as New York has been the past 20 years." 
 
Fernandez, who was not even born when the attacks on the World Trade Center towers took place, said she had learned about 9/11 from watching movies and asking her parents what happened. 
 
She said when she woke up on Saturday, she looked at the date and remembered. 
 
"Obviously I don`t know much about what really happened," said Fernandez. "But with the few information that I do have, I know that New York has suffered a lot the past years when it did happen. 
 
"I just wanted to let them know that they`re so strong, 
 
they`re so resilient. 
 
"They`re just incredible. 
 
"Just having them here happy, lively, just going back to the 
 
way they were, having my back during these tough moments, has made me stronger." 
 
The touching speech from an emotional Fernandez drew loud applause from the crowd and plenty of praise across social media, including from former world No. 1 Andy Roddick. 
 
"Leylah asking for the mic back to acknowledge 9/11 was one of the classiest, most empathetic, and mature things I’ve ever seen in a post game moment ... and she’s only 19. I’m blown away," Roddick wrote on Twitter. 
 
Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president now running to be mayor of New York City, said he was also blown away by the young Canadian`s grace. 
 
"For someone who was not even born on 9/11, from another country, to have the grace to honor our great city in such a moment is inspiring," tweeted Adams. "New York honors you tonight @leylahfernandez."

Leylah Fernandez may have come up short in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, but the Canadian teen won over the New York crowd after the match when she paid homage to the city`s resilience on the 20th anniversary of the Sept.

Leylah Fernandez may have come up short in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, but the Canadian teen won over the New York crowd after the match when she paid homage to the city`s resilience on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The 19-year-old Fernandez, speaking on court moments after her improbable run came to an end, appeared to be done with her post-match interview until she asked for the microphone back so she could address the crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. "I know on this day it was especially hard for New York and everyone around the United States," said Fernandez, who fell 6-4 6-3 to British teenager Emma Raducanu. "I just want to say that I hope I can be as strong and as resilient as New York has been the past 20 years." Fernandez, who was not even born when the attacks on the World Trade Center towers took place, said she had learned about 9/11 from watching movies and asking her parents what happened. She said when she woke up on Saturday, she looked at the date and remembered. "Obviously I don`t know much about what really happened," said Fernandez. "But with the few information that I do have, I know that New York has suffered a lot the past years when it did happen. "I just wanted to let them know that they`re so strong, they`re so resilient. "They`re just incredible. "Just having them here happy, lively, just going back to the way they were, having my back during these tough moments, has made me stronger." The touching speech from an emotional Fernandez drew loud applause from the crowd and plenty of praise across social media, including from former world No. 1 Andy Roddick. "Leylah asking for the mic back to acknowledge 9/11 was one of the classiest, most empathetic, and mature things I’ve ever seen in a post game moment ... and she’s only 19. I’m blown away," Roddick wrote on Twitter. Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president now running to be mayor of New York City, said he was also blown away by the young Canadian`s grace. "For someone who was not even born on 9/11, from another country, to have the grace to honor our great city in such a moment is inspiring," tweeted Adams. "New York honors you tonight @leylahfernandez."

Fernandez pays tribute to New York City on anniversary of 9/11

The families, the politicians and ordinary Americans stood Saturday in lower Manhattan where, 20 years earlier, on a similarly crystal-clear morning, two massive towers soared above New York City. At 8:46 a.m., the exact time in 2001 when a hijacked jet crashed into the north tower and their lives and the world began to change in ways then inconceivable, they fell silent.

For two decades, Americans have mourned a loss so deep it shook the country to its core. But even as time has passed, and the attacks have moved from fresh memory into the chronicles of history, the people who gathered in New York and near Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, said the wounds from 9/11 have remained fresh.

In New York, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden stood shoulder to shoulder at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza with two pairs of their Democratic predecessors, Barack and Michelle Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton, who was a senator of New York 20 years ago. Nearby was Rudolph Giuliani, a Republican who was the mayor of New York during the attacks.

All of them watched as families of the victims read the names of the dead, tears streaming down their cheeks and their voices shaking.

At a memorial near Shanksville, the bells tolled at 10:03 a.m., the moment when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after the crew and passengers fought back against the terrorists who had hijacked their flight and diverted it from their intended target in Washington.

Former President George W. Bush and Vice President Kamala Harris both attended a ceremony in which the names of the 40 passengers and crew members who died were read aloud.

The Department of Defense unfurled a large American flag on the side of the Pentagon, where a ceremony was also held to honor the 184 people killed after a plane hit the building’s west side.

“The hallways that we tread were the ones where so many of them walked,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “It will always be our duty to fulfill their missions and live up to their goodness and to stand guard over this democracy.”

The families, the politicians and ordinary Americans stood Saturday in lower Manhattan where, 20 years earlier, on a similarly crystal-clear morning, two massive towers soared above New York City.

The families, the politicians and ordinary Americans stood Saturday in lower Manhattan where, 20 years earlier, on a similarly crystal-clear morning, two massive towers soared above New York City. At 8:46 a.m., the exact time in 2001 when a hijacked jet crashed into the north tower and their lives and the world began to change in ways then inconceivable, they fell silent. For two decades, Americans have mourned a loss so deep it shook the country to its core. But even as time has passed, and the attacks have moved from fresh memory into the chronicles of history, the people who gathered in New York and near Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, said the wounds from 9/11 have remained fresh. In New York, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden stood shoulder to shoulder at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza with two pairs of their Democratic predecessors, Barack and Michelle Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton, who was a senator of New York 20 years ago. Nearby was Rudolph Giuliani, a Republican who was the mayor of New York during the attacks. All of them watched as families of the victims read the names of the dead, tears streaming down their cheeks and their voices shaking. At a memorial near Shanksville, the bells tolled at 10:03 a.m., the moment when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after the crew and passengers fought back against the terrorists who had hijacked their flight and diverted it from their intended target in Washington. Former President George W. Bush and Vice President Kamala Harris both attended a ceremony in which the names of the 40 passengers and crew members who died were read aloud. The Department of Defense unfurled a large American flag on the side of the Pentagon, where a ceremony was also held to honor the 184 people killed after a plane hit the building’s west side. “The hallways that we tread were the ones where so many of them walked,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “It will always be our duty to fulfill their missions and live up to their goodness and to stand guard over this democracy.”

At 9/11 ceremonies, moments of silence and tears

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks that claimed over 3000 lives. The attack on the World Trade Centres took place just two days after the conclusion of the US Open 2001.&nbsp;

Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi took part in the American Grand Slam but lost the first round of the competition. After the tournament ended, the India duo stayed in New York to prepare for the upcoming Davis Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-and-a-money-trail-how-terrorists-planned-the-devastating-attacks-412286" hreflang="en">9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks</a>

Paes has now revealed that he was present in the World Trade Centre Tower 1 a day before the attacks took place. In an interview with the Indian Express, the Tennis star said that he left the city and by the time he reached Frankfurt the attack had taken place.&nbsp;

According to Paes, he was unaware of the attacks before the German security entered the flight and where scanning before the team allowed passengers, including Paes to deboard. He asked a high-ranking security official behind the strict checking.&nbsp;

"The head of security basically took me to his office, sat me down and turned on the television," he says.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-tower-was-also-brought-down-on-911-the-conspiracy-theories-and-importance-of-tower-seven-412317" hreflang="en">'Third tower was also brought down on 9/11': The conspiracy theories and importance of Tower Seven</a>

"That’s where I saw the twin towers go down."

Whereas, his doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi was just 72 blocks away from the attack site.&nbsp;

Recalling the events, Bhupathi said: "In the beginning we thought it was a plane crash, and then we saw the second plane going into the building."

"There was a lot of fear and we had friends in the WTC vicinity who couldn’t get out. They had to walk all the way to my apartment, it was just a mess," he added.&nbsp;

"Honestly, I don’t think anyone was really thinking of tennis at the time. When this happened, everyone was just thinking about life. Perspective changes," Bhupathi added.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks that claimed over 3000 lives. The attack on the World Trade Centres took place just two days after the conclusion of the US Open 2001.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks that claimed over 3000 lives. The attack on the World Trade Centres took place just two days after the conclusion of the US Open 2001. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi took part in the American Grand Slam but lost the first round of the competition. After the tournament ended, the India duo stayed in New York to prepare for the upcoming Davis Cup. ALSO READ: 9/11 attacks and a money trail: How terrorists planned the devastating attacks Paes has now revealed that he was present in the World Trade Centre Tower 1 a day before the attacks took place. In an interview with the Indian Express, the Tennis star said that he left the city and by the time he reached Frankfurt the attack had taken place. According to Paes, he was unaware of the attacks before the German security entered the flight and where scanning before the team allowed passengers, including Paes to deboard. He asked a high-ranking security official behind the strict checking. "The head of security basically took me to his office, sat me down and turned on the television," he says. ALSO READ: 'Third tower was also brought down on 9/11': The conspiracy theories and importance of Tower Seven "That’s where I saw the twin towers go down." Whereas, his doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi was just 72 blocks away from the attack site. Recalling the events, Bhupathi said: "In the beginning we thought it was a plane crash, and then we saw the second plane going into the building." "There was a lot of fear and we had friends in the WTC vicinity who couldn’t get out. They had to walk all the way to my apartment, it was just a mess," he added. "Honestly, I don’t think anyone was really thinking of tennis at the time. When this happened, everyone was just thinking about life. Perspective changes," Bhupathi added.

'I was at World Trade Centre a day before 9/11 attacks', says Leander Paes

In pics | A look back at the scenes from the 9/11 attacks

US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack. They all shared a moment of silence on the occasion. &nbsp;

These leaders gathered at the site where the World Trade Centre towers fell two decades ago. They also wore blue ribbons and held hands over hearts. &nbsp;

Watched by hundreds of Americans gathered at the remembrance, a procession also marched with a flag at the memorial. Some people also carried photos of loved ones lost in the attacks.

Watch |&nbsp;US: Moments of silence to commemorate timings of 9/11 terror attack

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A jet flew overhead in an eerie echo of the attacks before the event began. Biden marked the 9/11 anniversary for the first time as commander in chief. He is the fourth president to console the nation on the anniversary of that dreadful day. &nbsp;

At the trio of sites where the planes crashed, the president paid his respects. But he left the speech-making to others. &nbsp;

After the ceremony in New York City, the US president will visit the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a plane fell from the sky after heroic passengers fought terrorists to prevent it from reaching its Washington destination.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-remember-911-victims-and-survivors-412392" hreflang="en">World leaders remember 9/11 victims and survivors</a> &nbsp;

Finally, Biden will head to the Pentagon, where the world's mightiest military suffered an unthinkable blow to its very home. &nbsp;

The current US president now shoulders the responsibility borne by his predecessors to prevent future tragedy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack.

US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton along with their wives stood somberly side by side at the National September 11 Memorial to mark the anniversary of the nation's worst terror attack. They all shared a moment of silence on the occasion. These leaders gathered at the site where the World Trade Centre towers fell two decades ago. They also wore blue ribbons and held hands over hearts. Watched by hundreds of Americans gathered at the remembrance, a procession also marched with a flag at the memorial. Some people also carried photos of loved ones lost in the attacks. Watch | US: Moments of silence to commemorate timings of 9/11 terror attack × A jet flew overhead in an eerie echo of the attacks before the event began. Biden marked the 9/11 anniversary for the first time as commander in chief. He is the fourth president to console the nation on the anniversary of that dreadful day. At the trio of sites where the planes crashed, the president paid his respects. But he left the speech-making to others. After the ceremony in New York City, the US president will visit the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a plane fell from the sky after heroic passengers fought terrorists to prevent it from reaching its Washington destination. Also Read: World leaders remember 9/11 victims and survivors Finally, Biden will head to the Pentagon, where the world's mightiest military suffered an unthinkable blow to its very home. The current US president now shoulders the responsibility borne by his predecessors to prevent future tragedy. (With inputs from agencies)

With display of unity, Biden, Obama, Clinton mark 9/11 anniversary in NYC

The entire world was shocked when Al-Qaeda terrorists smashed two planes into New York's World Trade Center, killing approximately 2,753 people. A third commercial jet hit the Pentagon, killing 184, and 40 more died after a fourth plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt. It was the first foreign attack on the US mainland in nearly two centuries.

20 years since the 9/11 horror, the deadliest attack on US Soil

America marks the 20th anniversary of&nbsp;9/11&nbsp;Saturday with solemn ceremonies given added poignancy by the recent chaotic withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and return to power of the Taliban.

Heart-wrenching commemorations will unfold at each of the three sites where 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers -- mostly from Saudi Arabia -- crashed packed airliners, striking the cultural, financial and political hearts of the United States and changing the world forever.

The memorials come with US troops finally gone from Afghanistan, but national discord -- and for President Joe Biden, political peril -- are overshadowing any sense of closure.

At New York's Ground Zero, where two pools of water now stand where the Twin Towers used to, relatives will read out the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed, in a four-hour-long service starting at 8:30 am (1230 GMT).

Six moments of silence will be observed, corresponding with the times the two World Trade Center towers were struck, and fell, and the moments the Pentagon was attacked and Flight 93 crashed.

Monica Iken-Murphy, who lost her 37-year-old husband Michael Iken in the World Trade Center, says this will be a "heightened" anniversary for many Americans.

<img alt="A view of the 9/11 memorial pools where once the World Trade Center north and south towers stood in New York, on September 10, 2021" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24866781-a208-4b0c-8a08-93f1558acfc4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTO2.jpg" />

But for her, as for many other survivors, the pain has never wavered.

"I feel like it just happened," she told AFP.

A whole generation has grown up since the morning of September&nbsp;11, 2001.

In the interim, Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden has been hunted down and killed. A towering new skyscraper has risen over Manhattan, replacing the Twin Towers. And less than two weeks ago, the last US soldiers flew from Kabul airport, ending the so-called "forever war."

But the Taliban who once sheltered bin Laden are back ruling Afghanistan, the mighty US military humiliated. In Guantanamo Bay, accused&nbsp;9/11&nbsp;mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other men continue to await trial, nine years after charges were filed.

Even the full story of how the attack came to happen remains secret. Only last week did Biden order the release of classified documents from the FBI investigation over the next six months.

<h2>'Honor and memorialize'&nbsp;</h2>

At Ground Zero, some 2,753 people, from all over the world, were killed in the initial explosions, jumped to their deaths, or simply vanished in the inferno of the collapsing towers.

At the Pentagon, an airliner tore a fiery hole in the side of the superpower's military nerve centre, killing 184 people in the plane and on the ground.

And in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the third wave of hijackers crashed into a field after passengers fought back, sending United 93 down before reaching its intended target -- likely the US Capitol building in Washington.

Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will stop at each of these places on Saturday to "honour and memorialize the lives lost," the White House said.

<img alt="A view of the One World Trade Center building 'Freedom Tower' in New York" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99ab719a-7c2b-4a7e-91d6-d9887eaee416" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTO.jpg" />

The president had planned for this to be a pivotal day in his nearly eight-month-old presidency.

However, instead of presiding over a moment of unity, Biden will traverse a country angry about the messy Kabul evacuation, which included 13 US soldiers killed by a suicide bomber, and stung by the broader realization of failure and defeat.

For the relatives of victims, the anniversary, as always, is about keeping the memory of their loved ones alive.&nbsp;

"It's like Pearl Harbor," said Frank Siller, whose firefighter brother Stephen died at the World Trade Center.

"People who weren't alive don't have the same feeling about it as those who were alive. But America has never forgotten about Pearl Harbour and America will never forget about&nbsp;9/11."

America marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11 Saturday with solemn ceremonies given added poignancy by the recent chaotic withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and return to power of the Taliban.

America marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11 Saturday with solemn ceremonies given added poignancy by the recent chaotic withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and return to power of the Taliban. Heart-wrenching commemorations will unfold at each of the three sites where 19 Al-Qaeda hijackers -- mostly from Saudi Arabia -- crashed packed airliners, striking the cultural, financial and political hearts of the United States and changing the world forever. The memorials come with US troops finally gone from Afghanistan, but national discord -- and for President Joe Biden, political peril -- are overshadowing any sense of closure. At New York's Ground Zero, where two pools of water now stand where the Twin Towers used to, relatives will read out the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed, in a four-hour-long service starting at 8:30 am (1230 GMT). Six moments of silence will be observed, corresponding with the times the two World Trade Center towers were struck, and fell, and the moments the Pentagon was attacked and Flight 93 crashed. Monica Iken-Murphy, who lost her 37-year-old husband Michael Iken in the World Trade Center, says this will be a "heightened" anniversary for many Americans. But for her, as for many other survivors, the pain has never wavered. "I feel like it just happened," she told AFP. A whole generation has grown up since the morning of September 11, 2001. In the interim, Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden has been hunted down and killed. A towering new skyscraper has risen over Manhattan, replacing the Twin Towers. And less than two weeks ago, the last US soldiers flew from Kabul airport, ending the so-called "forever war." But the Taliban who once sheltered bin Laden are back ruling Afghanistan, the mighty US military humiliated. In Guantanamo Bay, accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other men continue to await trial, nine years after charges were filed. Even the full story of how the attack came to happen remains secret. Only last week did Biden order the release of classified documents from the FBI investigation over the next six months. 'Honor and memorialize' At Ground Zero, some 2,753 people, from all over the world, were killed in the initial explosions, jumped to their deaths, or simply vanished in the inferno of the collapsing towers. At the Pentagon, an airliner tore a fiery hole in the side of the superpower's military nerve centre, killing 184 people in the plane and on the ground. And in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the third wave of hijackers crashed into a field after passengers fought back, sending United 93 down before reaching its intended target -- likely the US Capitol building in Washington. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will stop at each of these places on Saturday to "honour and memorialize the lives lost," the White House said. The president had planned for this to be a pivotal day in his nearly eight-month-old presidency. However, instead of presiding over a moment of unity, Biden will traverse a country angry about the messy Kabul evacuation, which included 13 US soldiers killed by a suicide bomber, and stung by the broader realization of failure and defeat. For the relatives of victims, the anniversary, as always, is about keeping the memory of their loved ones alive. "It's like Pearl Harbor," said Frank Siller, whose firefighter brother Stephen died at the World Trade Center. "People who weren't alive don't have the same feeling about it as those who were alive. But America has never forgotten about Pearl Harbour and America will never forget about 9/11."

US honours 9/11 dead on 20th anniversary of attacks

United States President Joe Biden called on the Americans to show unity as the country prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

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On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks, President Biden honors the lives of those we lost and highlights how even at our most vulnerable – unity is our greatest strength.<a href="https://t.co/TdVhw9TVpb">pic.twitter.com/TdVhw9TVpb</a>
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Speaking in a six-minute recording at the White House that was shared on the official Twitter handle on Friday, Biden said, “To me, that’s the central lesson of September 11. It’s that at our most vulnerable, in the push and pull of all that makes us human, in the battle for the soul of America, unity is our greatest strength.”

The President’s appeal for unity comes at a time when the US is facing rising instances of hate crimes. According to a report by the FBI, hate crimes against African and Asian Americans surged in the past one year.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-was-very-far-away-how-afghans-remember-911-412095">&nbsp;'America was very far away': How Afghans remember 9/11</a>

Moreover, hate crimes against Arab Americans, Muslims and others perceived as Arab or Muslim had also surged post the 9/11 attacks. And while they have subsided in recent years, the numbers have never returned to levels seen before the attacks, the FBI data shows. More recently, the United States has also seen a rise in anti-Semitic discrimination.

“Unity doesn't mean we have to believe the same thing, but we must have a fundamental respect and faith in each other and in this nation," Biden said in the video.

Also watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-20-years-after-911-here-is-how-the-taliban-is-celebrating-its-victory-412216/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Saturday, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will visit New York City—where two airliners destroyed the World Trade Center and killed around 2,700 people—the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia—where a third airliner crashed—and Shanksville, Pennsylvania—where passengers forced down a fourth aircraft believed to have been headed to the U.S. Capitol or White House.

Joe Biden will then be joined at Ground Zero in New York by former president Barack Obama, whom he served for two terms as vice-president.

Small memorial ceremonies will be held across the US, and millions are expected to tune in to coverage that will blanket the TV networks throughout the day.

There will be six moments of silence during the ceremony, marking the moment each tower was struck and the time each fell, as well as the moment when the Pentagon was attacked, and the time that Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers stopped it from reaching its likely intended target of the US Capitol.

As three of the four most recent US presidents attend official ceremonies, Donald Trump will also reportedly visit the 9/11 memorial on Saturday afternoon, once the ceremony has finished and after Biden has left the city.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden called on the Americans to show unity as the country prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

United States President Joe Biden called on the Americans to show unity as the country prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks, President Biden honors the lives of those we lost and highlights how even at our most vulnerable – unity is our greatest strength.pic.twitter.com/TdVhw9TVpb — The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2021 × Speaking in a six-minute recording at the White House that was shared on the official Twitter handle on Friday, Biden said, “To me, that’s the central lesson of September 11. It’s that at our most vulnerable, in the push and pull of all that makes us human, in the battle for the soul of America, unity is our greatest strength.” The President’s appeal for unity comes at a time when the US is facing rising instances of hate crimes. According to a report by the FBI, hate crimes against African and Asian Americans surged in the past one year. Also read | 'America was very far away': How Afghans remember 9/11 Moreover, hate crimes against Arab Americans, Muslims and others perceived as Arab or Muslim had also surged post the 9/11 attacks. And while they have subsided in recent years, the numbers have never returned to levels seen before the attacks, the FBI data shows. More recently, the United States has also seen a rise in anti-Semitic discrimination. “Unity doesn't mean we have to believe the same thing, but we must have a fundamental respect and faith in each other and in this nation," Biden said in the video. Also watch On Saturday, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will visit New York City—where two airliners destroyed the World Trade Center and killed around 2,700 people—the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia—where a third airliner crashed—and Shanksville, Pennsylvania—where passengers forced down a fourth aircraft believed to have been headed to the U.S. Capitol or White House. Joe Biden will then be joined at Ground Zero in New York by former president Barack Obama, whom he served for two terms as vice-president. Small memorial ceremonies will be held across the US, and millions are expected to tune in to coverage that will blanket the TV networks throughout the day. There will be six moments of silence during the ceremony, marking the moment each tower was struck and the time each fell, as well as the moment when the Pentagon was attacked, and the time that Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers stopped it from reaching its likely intended target of the US Capitol. As three of the four most recent US presidents attend official ceremonies, Donald Trump will also reportedly visit the 9/11 memorial on Saturday afternoon, once the ceremony has finished and after Biden has left the city. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden calls for unity on the eve of 9/11 attacks

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