Al-Qaida 'owes $9.3bn for 9/11 attacks': Judge

A judge in New York has recommended terror group al Qaida be assessed $9.3bn for the damage done to properties and businesses in the September 11 2001 attacks.

Federal Magistrate Judge Frank Maas sent the recommendation to a district judge presiding over a lawsuit brought by several insurance companies.

The companies sued various defendants in 2003, seeking damages for the terror attacks, which demolished the World Trade Centre’s twin towers. Al-Qaida never responded to the lawsuit and was found in default in 2006.

Judge Maas determined the actual damages, then tripled them as allowed by law.

At this time, the companies were seeking only an assessment of damages against al-Qaida. The organisation founded by Osama bin Laden is blamed for orchestrating the terror attacks.