As you read about the September 11 terrorist attacks, consider these questions and respond:
What happened?
What was the global reaction?
Who was blamed for the attacks?
What happened: On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out by the Islamic extremist group Al-Qaeda against the United States. Four commercial airplanes were hijacked, with two of them crashing into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both towers to collapse. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers.
Global reaction: The September 11 attacks prompted a global outpouring of support for the United States and condemnation of the terrorist actions. Many countries expressed solidarity with the U.S. and offered assistance in the aftermath of the attacks. The attacks also led to an increased focus on counterterrorism efforts globally and the establishment of new security measures.
Who was blamed: Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, was identified as the group responsible for carrying out the attacks. Bin Laden claimed responsibility for the attacks in a video released shortly after the events. The U.S. government subsequently launched a military campaign in Afghanistan to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime, which had been harboring bin Laden and his followers.