Bill Clinton Says CIA Cancelled Pre-9/11 Bin Laden Strike

Bill Clinton stated in a radio interview that the Central Intelligence Agency abandoned a plan to eliminate Osama bin Laden prior to the September 11 attacks. Clinton said he had authorized the operation and believed it might have succeeded, but the agency cancelled the plan at the last minute due to concerns over potential civilian casualties and the risk of missing the target.

Reflecting on the 2001 attacks, Clinton recalled being in Australia when the second plane hit the Twin Towers. He said he immediately identified bin Laden as the perpetrator because of the capacity required to execute such an operation.

Clinton expressed the belief that while the United States is better prepared today, New York City remains a possible target for future terrorist attacks. He noted that this reality necessitates continuous vigilance in national security.