US releases largest batch of declassified pre-9/11 intelligence
The CIA released presidential briefs. They show officials tracked bin Laden and al-Qaeda before September 11.
The US government released its largest collection of presidential daily briefs. This marked the 25th anniversary of September 11.
The documents show intelligence officials tracked Osama bin Laden's movements and his support network in the years before the attacks. A February 1998 file was titled 'Terrorists Seeking WMD Capability'.
It detailed investigations into bin Laden and other extremists. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said this showed exceptional openness.
The papers show analysts raised concerns about possible threats to US targets. They were watching al-Qaeda's operational planning before the attacks killed nearly 3,000 people.
- Nearly 3000
- Death toll
- 25 years
- Anniversary
- CIA
- Agency
- February 1998
- Key briefing date
Why it mattersThe release shows how much intelligence agencies knew about the terrorist threat beforehand. It raises questions about what warnings were missed.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, though the declassification may influence how Australian intelligence agencies handle future threat assessments and historical record-keeping.
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