The US defence secretary has revoked a plea deal which would have seen the men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks avoid death sentences.

On Wednesday, it was announced that prosecutors had reached a deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi to plead guilty to conspiracy charges.

Just two days later, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has vetoed the deal which drew controversy as it would have seen the trio face a life sentence instead of the death penalty at Guantanamo Bay.

Mr Austin has relieved Susan Escallier, who oversees the Guantanamo war court, of her authority to enter into pre-trial agreements in the case and has taken on the responsibility himself.

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