Ex-CIA Chief Recalls 9/11 Horror, Bin Laden Raid

Leon Panetta, who served as CIA Director during the September 11, 2001 attacks, reflected on the "unforgettable" events and their lasting impact in a special interview.

Panetta recounted receiving news of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center, followed quickly by the second, confirming a "terrorist attack on the United States." He immediately advised members of Congress to evacuate the Capitol, fearing it could be a subsequent target. "It's a shock when it happens, but it's also a wake-up call that there are enemies who will not hesitate to kill innocent men, women, and children," he stated.

The former CIA chief also discussed the successful operation to kill Osama bin Laden years later, calling it a "very clear goal" to pursue al-Qaeda and prevent future attacks on the U.S. He described the "20 minutes of silence" during the raid as the "longest 20 minutes of my life," filled with uncertainty about the mission's outcome until Admiral McRaven confirmed bin Laden's capture.

Panetta emphasized the importance of the bin Laden operation as a message to the world that such acts would not go unpunished and that a nation would defend itself. He warned that 25 years after 9/11, the threat of terrorism persists, with enemies potentially exploiting perceived weaknesses. He concluded that the "war on terror is by no means over" and urged the U.S., Israel, and allies to recognize the ongoing threat.

Panetta's reflections come as the world marks the anniversary of the attacks that reshaped American security and foreign policy.