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?
Response:
On September 11, 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by terrorists who were associated with the Islamic extremist group, al-Qaeda. Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both towers to collapse. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers tried to regain control from the hijackers.
The global reaction to the September 11 attacks was one of shock, disbelief, and solidarity with the United States. Many countries around the world expressed their condolences and support for the victims and their families. NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time in its history, declaring that the attacks on the United States were attacks on all NATO member countries.
The terrorist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, was quickly identified as being responsible for the September 11 attacks. Bin Laden later claimed responsibility in a video message. Subsequent investigations and intelligence reports confirmed al-Qaeda's involvement in planning and carrying out the attacks. The United States launched a military campaign in Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime that harbored them.