15 moments that shook the planet
SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS (2001)
The September 11 attacks, also known as 9/11, were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda against the United States on September 11, 2001. The attacks targeted important landmarks in the country, including the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. Hijackers seized control of commercial airplanes and crashed them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, causing both towers to collapse within hours. Another plane was flown into the Pentagon, while a fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers. The attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and caused extensive destruction and devastation.
The September 11 attacks shocked the world and had profound implications for global security and geopolitics. They triggered a massive response from the United States, leading to the launch of the War on Terror and military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The attacks also prompted widespread changes in security measures, including increased airport screenings and surveillance measures, as well as significant shifts in foreign policy and diplomatic relations. The tragic events of 9/11 fundamentally altered the way people perceive and respond to terrorism, shaping the course of international affairs in the 21st century.
The impact of the September 11 attacks extended far beyond the immediate loss of life and physical destruction. They stirred feelings of fear, anger, and grief among people worldwide, and their memory continues to evoke strong emotions even years later. The attacks served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of modern society and the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. Memorials and commemorations held annually on September 11 honor the victims and serve as a testament to the resilience and unity of communities in the face of tragedy.
