How Al Qaeda's global network slowly came into focus for U.S. intelligence (1993-2001)

Click on a box at the top of map to reveal what U.S. intelligence knew at a particular point in time. Then, roll over individual events and names for details. (You'll need the Flash 3 player or later and an 800x600 monitor to see the interactive Flash version.)

Two Examples of What This Map Highlights: • Khalid Shaikh Mohammed Suspected (as of September 2002) to be Al Qaeda chief of operations and key planner of 9/11 attacks. See how he was known to U.S. intelligence since the 1995 Bojinka plot. Discover how he also connects back to Ramzi Yousef and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. • Fahad Al-Quso Conspirator in October 2000 USS Cole attack and in custody for months before 9/11. He links back to January 2000 Malaysia meeting attended by two 9/11 hijackers at which Cole and 9/11 plots were planned.

This interactive map, while not intended to be comprehensive, highlights what U.S. intelligence knew at particular points in time, beginning with the 1993 World Trade Center attack. (The capture of the plot's organizer, Ramzi Yousef, launched John O'Neill into his pursuit of Al Qaeda.)

Obviously, at the time pieces of information surfaced, much of it could not be fully understood and connected. Moreover, some clues simply weren't pursued and the CIA and FBI didn't always share information.

But this map does lay out some striking links between the 9/11 attack and Al Qaeda's previous plans, operatives, and conspiracies over the eight years leading up to 9/11.

Also explore a full timeline of Al Qaeda's global reach, with more details--such as the first time bin Laden's name became linked to suspected terrorists.