Wail al-Shehri

Wail Mohammed al-Shehri: A Life Cut Short by Tragedy

Imagine a life cut short not just by tragedy but by the very hands that once held hope for peace and prosperity. Wail Mohammed al-Shehri, born in 1973, was a school teacher in Saudi Arabia with dreams of making a difference. But his journey took a dark turn when he joined the ranks of those who would forever change history on September 11, 2001.

The Path to Tragedy

Wail al-Shehri graduated from Abha teachers college in 1999 and began his career as a school teacher. However, like many before him, he faced challenges that would eventually lead him down a dangerous path. He left his job at Khamis Mushait airbase due to mental illness and depression, seeking solace with Muslim clerics and visiting Medina.

It was in Medina where the al-Shehri brothers, Wail and Waleed, disappeared after going there together. Their journey took them to Afghanistan, where they joined Al-Qaeda training camps. The path of these young men is a stark reminder that sometimes, the road to destruction can be paved with good intentions.

The Hijacking Mission

In March 2000, Wail and his brother Waleed left for Pakistan and then Afghanistan, following the standard path for new al-Qaeda recruits. They spent time at Khalden and Al Farouq training camps near Kandahar. The muscle hijackers were selected by senior al-Qaeda leaders in 2000 from thousands of recruits at these very same camps.

Wail received a new passport and United States visa, which he provided vague information on. He purchased traveler’s checks in the UAE with assistance from Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi. In late 2000, three future muscle hijackers, including Wail and his brother, traveled to Beirut and Iran before reaching Afghanistan.

On June 5, 2001, Wail obtained an International Driving Permit in the UAE and arrived in Miami with fellow al-Qaeda member Ahmed al-Haznawi as tourists for six months. He opened a bank account in Florida, moved into budget motels, and used public libraries to access computers.

In August 2001, he made reservations on American Airlines Flight 11 with his brother Waleed. The brothers left Florida and checked into hotels in Massachusetts before returning to Boston for their flight. On September 11, 2001, the brothers were selected by a computer system for extra screening but were not scrutinized further at the security checkpoint.

They boarded American Airlines Flight 11, which was hijacked at approximately 08:14 after the pilot stopped responding to air traffic control. The aircraft crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, killing 1,344 people. The North Tower collapsed at 10:28 after burning for 102 minutes.

The Aftermath and Mystery

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, it was reported that Waleed al-Shehri had been found alive and that his family claimed he was the victim of identity theft. However, reports later suggested that the hijackers were indeed the sons of a Saudi diplomat, with evidence pointing to Wail and Waleed’s deaths.

The mystery surrounding their fate adds another layer of complexity to this tragic story. It raises questions about the true nature of their journey and the choices they made. Were they misguided souls seeking a path to redemption or were they willingly drawn into a web of deceit and destruction?

Wail Mohammed al-Shehri’s story is a somber reminder of the power of choice and the consequences that can follow. As we reflect on his life, it is crucial to remember not only the tragedy but also the lessons it teaches us about the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues, the impact of radicalization, and the need for vigilance in our communities.