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?
On September 11, 2001, a group of 19 terrorists associated with the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes. They intentionally crashed two of the planes 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, and the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to wrest control of the plane back from the terrorists. In total, nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks.
The global reaction to the September 11 attacks was one of shock, horror, and solidarity with the United States. Countries around the world expressed their condolences and support for the victims and their families. Many countries also joined the United States in the subsequent War on Terror, which aimed to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent future attacks.
The attacks were orchestrated by the terrorist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. The group claimed responsibility for the attacks shortly after they occurred. In response, the United States and its allies launched military operations in Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime, which harbored al-Qaeda operatives, and to capture or kill bin Laden. Bin Laden was eventually found and killed by U.S. Special Forces in Pakistan in 2011.