The U.S. response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, included launching the War on Terror, which led to the invasion of Afghanistan to overthrow the Taliban regime and dismantle al-Qaeda. The U.S. also passed the USA PATRIOT Act, which expanded the government's surveillance and law enforcement powers in an effort to prevent future attacks. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security was established to coordinate efforts to protect the country from terrorist threats.
