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 August 2001 and provided Sheikh Mohammed with a letter from Bin al-Shibh informing him of the date.

63. After the final details of the plot solidified in late August, Bin Laden notified the al Qaeda Shura council that a major attack against unspecified U.S. interests was scheduled to take place over the coming weeks, but he did not reveal additional details.

64. During the summer, Bin Laden made several remarks vaguely hinting at an upcoming attack, which generated rumors throughout the worldwide jihadist community. Bin Laden informed high-level visitors to expect a major near-term attack against U.S. interests, and, during a speech at the al-Faruq camp, he urged trainees to pray for the success of a major operation involving 20 martyrs. Sheikh Mohammed and Abu Hafs were concerned about this lack of discretion and urged Bin Laden not to make additional comments about the plot.

65. On three instances, Sheikh Mohammed withstood pressure from Bin Laden to launch the operation earlier than planned. The first time was in the spring of 2000, shortly after Atta and the other pilot/hijackers had arrived in the U.S....Bin Laden also pressured Sheikh Mohammed twice during the Spring of 2001 to launch the attacks early. Bin Laden wanted to attack on Page 31 of 58