OSAMA bin Laden had warned his associates of a “major operation” against the United States shortly before the September 11 suicide plane attacks, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Thursday. “Shortly before September 11, bin Laden told associates that he had a major operation against America under preparation,” Blair told parliament in an emergency statement. “A range of people were warned to return to Afghanistan because of action on or around September 11,” the prime minister added. “And most importantly, one of bin Laden’s closest lieutenants has said clearly that he helped with the planning of the September 11 attacks and has admitted the involvement of the Al-Qaeda organisation.” – AFP