According to a recently declassified CIA intelligence report from March 18, 1997: “Islamic extremist financier Usama Bin Ladin reportedly has been involved in attempts to acquire uranium [redacted] and allegedly may have been exploring the possibility of mounting operations with weapons of mass destruction. [Redacted] Bin Ladin’s Islamic Army [al Qaeda] learned that [redacted] was selling uranium. After [redacted] examining the material, the Islamic Army reportedly concluded a deal to purchase it.
– CIA, “Terrorism: Usama Bin Ladin’s Attempts to Acquire Uranium,” (CIA Intelligence Report), The Central Intelligence Agency’s 9/11 File:, The National Security Archive, March 18, 1997