What was the US‘s response to the terrace attack on September 11, 2001
The United States’ response to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, was to launch the War on Terror. The US government declared a global war on terrorism and began military operations in Afghanistan to root out al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the attacks. The US also passed several pieces of legislation, such as the USA PATRIOT Act, to enhance national security and surveillance measures.
The terrace attack on September 11, 2001, commonly referred to as the September 11 attacks or 9/11, was met with a strong response from the United States. The response included several key actions:
1. Military Action: In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the United States launched military operations in Afghanistan aiming to dismantle al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the attacks, and remove the Taliban regime that sheltered them. This military campaign was known as Operation Enduring Freedom and began on October 7, 2001.
2. Enhanced Security Measures: The US government implemented significant enhancements to security measures both domestically and internationally. The Department of Homeland Security was established to coordinate and ensure national security, and airports saw the introduction of stricter security screening processes.
3. Creation of the Department of Homeland Security: The Department of Homeland Security was established in response to 9/11 to coordinate efforts across multiple agencies and ensure the security of the United States from future terrorist attacks. It consolidated various agencies, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the United States Coast Guard, and became the third-largest Federal department.
4. Intelligence and Surveillance Enhancements: The US government implemented vast changes to enhance its intelligence and surveillance capabilities to prevent future attacks. This involved increased information sharing among intelligence agencies and the implementation of new legislation, such as the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded the powers of law enforcement agencies to gather intelligence and combat terrorism.
5. International Cooperation: The United States worked closely with international partners to combat terrorism. The NATO alliance invoked Article 5, considering the attack on the US as an attack on all NATO members, leading to support from various countries in the military campaign in Afghanistan. Additionally, the US sought cooperation from numerous countries to disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks globally.
These responses formed part of a broader strategy to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety and security of the United States and its citizens.