For several years, the US had been aware of a network that it assessed supported Zawahiri, and over the past year, officials had been watching for indications of Al Qaeda's presence in the country.

Ahmad Zain An-Najah and two associates were charged with setting up a charity organisation that diverted money to Jemaah Islamiyah.

However, defense secretary declines to publicly divulge much about the plans, telling committee members he could provide more details in a closed classified session.

The service at Ground Zero where 2,753 people died took place under tight security, with Lower Manhattan effectively locked down.

The National Resistance Front remains defiant despite losing control of the Panjshir valley, the group's spokesman says.

Declassification must take place over the next six months.

It says the takeover shows that 'jihad and fighting represent the (Islamic law)-based, legal, and realistic way to restore rights (and) expel the invaders and occupiers'.

The US has long asserted that it can hold detainees indefinitely without charge under the international laws of war.

Sudan is one of four nations branded by Washington as a state sponsor of terrorism, along with Iran, North Korea and Syria.