US Reaches Plea Deal with 9/11 Mastermind and Co-Defendants

The US has struck a plea deal with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged 9/11 mastermind, and two other defendants. Captured in 2003, Mohammed was initially facing the death penalty but will now serve a life sentence as part of the agreement.

The United States has reached a plea deal with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other defendants, the US Department of Defence announced on Wednesday. Mohammed, known as KSM, was captured in Pakistan in 2003 for his alleged role in the 9/11 terror attacks.

In 2008, Mohammed faced charges including conspiracy, war crimes, and terrorism. Initially, the US sought the death penalty for him, according to CNN. Co-defendants Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin 'Attash and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi have similarly agreed to plea deals, opting for life sentences over the death penalty.

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, orchestrated by Al Qaeda, led to the deaths of more than 3,000 people. Hijacked planes targeted the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and another site in Pennsylvania. In all, 19 terrorists commandeered four planes, using them as weapons in this unprecedented assault. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)