Was Al-Awlaki involved in 9/11? House investigate U.S. born Al-Qaeda cleric's links to suicide hijackers

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:16 AM on 16th August 2011

U.S. investigators are looking into the possibility radical Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki was overlooked as a key player in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In a letter obtained by Fox News, congressman Peter King of New York wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder saying investigators believe it is more than coincidence the American cleric had contact with three of the five hijackers who flew a plane into the Pentagon on September 11.
Extracts from the letter confirm the House Homeland Security Committee are investigating: 'To what extent Anwar al-Awlaki wittingly or unwittingly facilitated the plot of the 9/11 hijackers.'

Investigated: Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born cleric linked to al-Qaeda in Yemen speaking from an undisclosed location

While they are also trying to establish: 'To what extent al-Awlaki was an al Qaeda operative, offering support to acts of terrorism prior to 9/11.'
The revelation indicates that the full story behind the terrorist attacks on September 11 may not have been uncovered yet.
The documents, seen by Fox News also alledge that: 'Given the greater collection of intelligence and integration of pertinent data since the attacks of 9/11, I believe that al-Awlaki may have played greater roles in the terrorist attacks of 9/11, as well as other terrorist plots, than those of which we have been previously aware.

'Accordingly, I request the full assistance of the Department of Justice in carrying out this inquiry.'

Al-Awlaki is said to have inspired attacks by Muslims inside the U.S - including the Fort Hood, Texas, shootings in 2009, which left 13 dead

U.S. born radical al-Awlaki is widely believed to be the mastermind behind a number of terror atrocities and the leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
AQAP is estimated to number about 300 militants with strongholds in a number of remote mountain regions.
It is thought to be behind numerous attacks on government targets and is said to have inspired attacks by Muslims inside the United States - including the Fort Hood, Texas, shootings in which an Army psychiatrist is accused of killing 13 people and wounding 32.
It's also thought the group has twice smuggled explosives aboard aircraft headed to the United States.

Al-Awlaki's chilling plans for a Mumbai-style terror attack on Britain were were also previuosly uncovered.
Chilling email exchanges between an undercover Sun reporter and al-Awlaki - widely tipped to succeed Osama bin Laden as Al Qaeda leader - outlines the various options open to extremists who want to launch an attack on British soil.

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