After Kandahar hijack, Taliban warned bin Laden
In late 1999, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan issued a warning to Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to enhance his security following the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in Kandahar. The Taliban's warning was detailed in Presidential Daily Briefs (PDBs) presented to then President Bill Clinton in January 2000, among 71 such documents released on the 9/11 attacks' 25th anniversary.
The Taliban reportedly suggested that the Kandahar crisis could be exploited by adversaries, possibly leading to attacks against bin Laden. Intelligence documents revealed that bin Laden had a global infrastructure, including operations in North America, Europe, and East Asia, with the potential to target US interests worldwide.
The earliest documented reference to bin Laden's intentions dates back to February 13, 1998, suggesting he planned to procure chemical, biological, and nuclear substances from open markets. Another PDB in August 1998 indicated bin Laden intended to conduct attacks in various regions, including Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Pakistan, Uganda, and possibly Nigeria.
Intelligence on bin Laden's activities intensified following the September 11 attacks, with mounting evidence suggesting Sunni extremists in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf had foreknowledge of the imminent attacks.
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