Updated Sept. 11, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
The September 11 attacks, also known as 9/11, happened on this day in 2001. They targeted the United States, with the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., being the primary targets.
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How many planes were involved in the 9/11 attacks?
Four planes were hijacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Two of these planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, causing both towers to collapse. Another plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers.
How many people died in the September 11 attacks?
Nearly 3,000 people were killed as a result of the attacks. This includes the passengers and crew members on the hijacked planes, first responders, and civilians in the buildings and surrounding areas. The attacks were one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in history.
Who was responsible for the September 11 attacks?
The attacks were orchestrated by the extremist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. The group's members hijacked the planes and carried out the coordinated attacks. Bin Laden initially claimed responsibility for the attacks, and U.S. intelligence agencies later confirmed his involvement. He was killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan in 2011.
What was the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks?
The aftermath of the attacks had profound political, social, and economic impacts. The U.S. initiated the War on Terror, leading to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Security measures were heightened globally, and the Department of Homeland Security was established in the U.S. The attacks also led to significant changes in air travel security procedures and a heightened focus on counterterrorism efforts.