Following the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the FBI has issued a public appeal for details regarding the whereabouts of Hamza Al Ghamdi, a former close associate of Usama bin Laden suspected of involvement with al Qaeda.
Al Ghamdi, who previously served as a key member of bin Laden's security team leading up to the 2001 attacks, held significant positions within the terror network and operated in various conflict zones over the years, according to FBI sources.
The FBI has traced Al Ghamdi's involvement in violent Islamic extremist activities back to the late '90s, with his roles within al Qaeda including serving as bin Laden's personal bodyguard and engaging in other functions.
Al Ghamdi, a Saudi Arabian native, fought alongside bin Laden against Russian forces in Afghanistan in the 1980s and was involved in terrorist activities in Tajikistan in the early 1990s. He also managed an al Qaeda guesthouse in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Believed to be currently located in Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, Al Ghamdi is considered to operate in challenging environments, making his apprehension difficult, as per FBI officials.
The State Department has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Al Ghamdi's capture, emphasizing his potential knowledge of al Qaeda operations and attacks over the past two decades.
Despite the passage of 23 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, the FBI remains committed to pursuing individuals involved in the tragic events, reaffirming their dedication to seeking justice for the victims.
It is crucial, according to FBI representatives, to remove individuals like Al Ghamdi from the global jihad battlefield to enhance national security and honor the memory of those affected by terrorist acts.
The FBI clarified that the sought-after Hamza Al Ghamdi is distinct from the terrorist of the same name who was involved in the hijacking of United Airlines Flight 175 that crashed into the World Trade Center.
Efforts to locate and question Al Ghamdi continue, with the FBI underscoring the importance of holding accountable those who pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the American people.
