Axios reported that three men accused of planning the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have entered into pretrial agreements, the Pentagon announced.
These men, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi, were initially charged in 2008 and have been held at Guantánamo Bay.
The Pentagon disclosed this development on Wednesday evening. The three men, considered central figures in the plot, have faced numerous legal proceedings.
The men accused are Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi. They were originally charged alongside two others in connection with the attacks.
The specific terms and conditions of the pretrial agreements remain confidential. A spokesperson from the Pentagon declined to provide further details on the U.S. Defense Department's statement.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed believed to be the mastermind behind the attacks, has been detained at Guantánamo Bay since at least 2006. He was captured in Pakistan in 2003.
After their initial charges in 2008, the three men, along with Ali Abdul Aziz Ali and Ramzi Bin al Shibh, were re-arraigned in 2012. They were collectively facing a death penalty trial.
The charges stem from the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil, which resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people. Terrorists associated with Al-Qaeda hijacked four planes during the attack.
Two of the planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing 2,753 people. Another plane hit the Pentagon, causing 184 deaths.
The fourth hijacked plane, United Flight 93, crashed in a Pennsylvania field as passengers attempted to retake control. The crash resulted in 40 deaths. The attacks of September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on the United States and the world. They led to significant changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policies.
The pretrial agreements mark a significant step in the lengthy legal process concerning the accused plotters. However, the lack of public information about the agreements leaves many questions unanswered. The Pentagon's announcement is the latest development in a case that has seen numerous delays and legal complexities. The military prison at Guantánamo Bay has been a focal point of controversy and legal debate.
As the men await further proceedings, the families of the victims and the public remain vigilant for updates. The legacy of the September 11 attacks continues to resonate deeply across the nation.
In summary, three men accused of plotting the September 11 attacks have entered into pretrial agreements, according to a Pentagon announcement. These agreements are part of a complex legal process that has spanned over a decade, involving numerous re-arraignments and legal challenges.
