Thumairy. CS-23 told me that there are witnesses to the meeting at the Saudi Consulate between the two men.
CS-23 told me that the attempt to recruit Al-Hazmi and Al-Mihdhar was an operation directed by the Central Intelligence Agency. CS-23 told me that the CIA used their liaison relationship with the Saudi intelligence services to conduct an operation on U.S. soil. CS-23 told me that the Saudis were used as a go between as the CIA is forbidden by law to conduct intelligence operations within the U.S. CS-23 told me that the CIA has used its relationship with allied intelligence services to conduct operations inside the United States in the past. CS-23 stated that CIA officials never told FBI agents in San Diego that Al-Hazmi and Al-Mihdhar were in the country.
CS-23 told me that after 9-11, FBI officials in San Diego and at FBI Headquarters became aware of both Al-Bayoumi’s affiliation with Saudi intelligence and subsequently the existence of the CIA’s operation to recruit Al-Hazmi and Al-Mihdhar through Al-Bayoumi. CS-23 stated that senior FBI officials suppressed investigations into the above. CS-23 also told me that FBI agents testifying before the Joint Inquiry into the 9/11 attacks were instructed not to reveal the full extent of Saudi involvement with Al-Qaeda.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true to the best of my knowledge. Executed on July 20, 2021.
Donald C. Canestraro
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