Al Qaeda marks 9/11 anniversary with Honor Flight to New York
KABUL — In a surprise move that has sent shockwaves around the country, the terrorist group al Qaeda has announced plans to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks by organizing an "Honor Flight" to New York City.
The group, which was responsible for the 2001 attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and led to the United States' longest-running war in Afghanistan, stated that the trip would be a “symbolic pilgrimage to the very city where it all began.”
“We’ve seen how veterans in the West get the red-carpet treatment, visiting the sites of their greatest achievements,” said an al Qaeda spokesperson, who remained anonymous out of fear of losing his life for speaking with Western media. “We thought, why not give our members a chance to reflect on their ‘mission accomplished’ moment, just like the American veterans who visit their war memorials?”
According to sources, the trip is being modeled after the popular Honor Flight programs, which have brought thousands of U.S. military veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials of the wars they fought in.
“They say you should visit the place that changed your life, and New York is where we left our mark,” the spokesperson added. “Two big marks, I should say. #NeverForget.”
While the U.S. State Department has condemned the plan to fly to New York as “appalling” and “outrageous,” al Qaeda’s leadership remains undeterred.
“I don’t see what the big deal is,” the spokesperson added. “At least we’re giving you a heads-up this time.”
The group has also planned a guided tour of Ground Zero, complete with a moment of silence and reflection.
“We understand the significance of this site, not just for us, but for our countrymen, who swore to fight against all evils that may invade their homeland, both foreign and domestic,” the spokesperson said, pausing for what was described as a moment of “solemn contemplation.”
The group’s itinerary has sparked outrage among the international community, with many calling it a perverse mockery of the lives lost and the suffering caused by their actions.
“This is beyond appalling,” said one U.S. official who also asked to remain anonymous out of fear of losing his life for speaking with Western media. “It’s like a war criminal organizing a trip to their own crime scene — no one should be celebrating this.”
Former President George W. Bush, who was in office during the 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center, also denounced al Qaeda’s motives.
“I think it’s awful, just awful if you ask me. The American people deserve better,” Bush said when reached for comment. “And by that, I mean we need to start another war.”
The al Qaeda spokesperson also hinted that this could become an annual event, with future Honor Flights potentially visiting other key locations worldwide.
“We’ve left a lot of history behind us,” the spokesperson said with a wry smile. “Who knows where we might honor next?”