What was the US response to terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001
In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States took a series of actions:
1. Immediate response: After the attacks, the U.S. government immediately launched emergency measures to ensure public safety, provide support to the affected areas, and prevent any further attacks. Air traffic was temporarily halted, emergency responders were mobilized, and major cities across the country were put on high alert.
2. Authorization for Use of Military Force: On September 14, 2001, the U.S. Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) which granted the President the authority to use "all necessary and appropriate force" against those responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
3. Operation Enduring Freedom: On October 7, 2001, the U.S. launched military operations in Afghanistan, known as Operation Enduring Freedom, to oust the Taliban regime, destroy the Al-Qaeda network in the country, and capture or kill Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks.
4. Establishment of Department of Homeland Security: In November 2002, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce the vulnerability of the nation to terrorism, and minimize the damage and aid in recovery from any such attacks.
5. USA PATRIOT Act: The U.S. Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act in October 2001, which significantly expanded the federal government's authority to investigate and prosecute terrorism and other national security threats. It included provisions to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen the criminal laws against terrorism, and increased surveillance powers of law enforcement agencies.
6. Enhanced airport security: In response to the hijackings, new security measures were implemented at airports across the U.S., including stricter screening procedures, fortified cockpit doors on aircraft, and the presence of air marshals on flights.
7. Global War on Terror: Following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. declared a Global War on Terror, leading the country to form alliances with several nations to combat terrorism and prevent future attacks. This led to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 to overthrow the Saddam Hussein regime, which was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction and believed to have ties to terrorist organizations.
8. Counterterrorism efforts: Intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI saw an increase in funding and resources to track and deter terrorist activities both domestically and internationally. This included the expansion of intelligence-sharing among U.S. agencies and with foreign governments, enhanced surveillance and communication monitoring, and increased efforts to dismantle terrorist financing networks.
9. Public preparedness and resilience: Various programs and initiatives were launched to better prepare the American public for potential terrorist attacks and to build resilience in the face of such threats. These efforts included public awareness campaigns, training programs for first responders, and the establishment of the National Terrorism Advisory System to provide information to the public about credible threats.
Overall, the U.S. response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks involved a combination of military actions, policy changes, and legislative measures aimed at preventing future attacks and enhancing the nation's security and resilience.