CIA
ON THE RECORD · 5 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Taliban is not likely to give up bin Ladin for less than full diplomatic recognition and significant reconstruction aid,”
CIA · said 2001-03-26 · reported 2026-09-11
A March 2001 intelligence memo assessed that the Taliban was unlikely to give up bin Laden without major concessions.
“may fly an explosive-packed airplane into a US city.”
CIA · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-11
A September 1998 intelligence report to the president warned that bin Laden's supporters might fly an explosive-packed airplane into a US city.
“survived the US strikes and their communications network remains intact”
CIA · said 1998-08-28 · reported 2026-09-11
An intelligence brief to the president eight days after failed missile strikes concluded bin Laden survived and his communications network remained intact.
“intelligence provides no conclusive information on bin Ladin’s intentions for future attacks.”
CIA · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-11
The same September 1998 memo stated there was no conclusive information about bin Laden's intentions for future attacks.
“Clandestine, foreign government, and media reports indicate bin Ladin since 1997 has wanted to conduct terrorist attacks in the US,”
CIA · said 2001-08-06 · reported 2026-09-11
An August 6, 2001 presidential briefing stated bin Laden had wanted to conduct terrorist attacks in the US since 1997.