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Three men accused of plotting 9/11 reach plea deal – Pentagon
The Pentagon has announced that three men accused of orchestrating the 9/11 attacks have reached a plea agreement, avoiding the death penalty. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi have been detained at the Guantanamo Bay facility for years without standing trial. The details of their plea deal have not been disclosed, but it is reported that they will plead guilty in exchange for life imprisonment instead of facing execution.
The 9/11 attacks, which resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths across New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, led to the U.S. launching the “War on Terror” and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The decision to pursue a plea deal has stirred controversy and dissatisfaction among families of the victims and survivors of the attacks. Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, criticized the lack of transparency in the process and urged further investigation into Saudi Arabia’s potential involvement. Terry Strada, whose husband died in the attacks, expressed disappointment, calling the plea deal a “victory” for the accused.
The plea deal was initially communicated to victims’ families in a letter from prosecutors, indicating that the formal plea before a military court could happen soon. The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that the terms of the agreement are currently confidential.
The accused have faced numerous charges, including murder, hijacking, and terrorism. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, regarded as the mastermind behind the attacks, proposed the plan to al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and assisted in recruiting and training the hijackers. Mohammed was captured in Pakistan in 2003 and subjected to “enhanced interrogation techniques,” including waterboarding, which critics have labeled as torture. Concerns over these interrogation methods potentially compromising the evidence contributed to delays in the trial.
In September, the Biden administration had rejected a previous plea deal proposed by the accused, which sought assurances against solitary confinement and access to trauma treatment. The White House has stated that it was informed of the current agreement on Wednesday and did not participate in the negotiations.
The involvement of Saudi nationals in the attacks remains a point of contention, with families pursuing legal action against the kingdom, which denies any complicity. The announcement of the plea deal has drawn criticism from Republican leaders. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned the agreement, describing it as a “revolting abdication” of the government’s duty to seek justice for the American people.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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