History
The September 11 Attacks Explained
A concise overview of the 9/11 attacks, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda on the United States on September 11, 2001.
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What is it?
The September 11 attacks, or 9/11, were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda on the United States on the morning of September 11, 2001. Nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew fought back. The attacks resulted in the collapse of the Twin Towers and caused catastrophic damage at the Pentagon.
Why is it trending?
The 9/11 attacks remain a significant historical event that reshaped global politics and security. The subsequent U.S.-led "War on Terror" led to invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, conflicts that continue to have lasting effects. Anniversaries of the event are widely commemorated, keeping it in the public consciousness. Discussions about national security, surveillance, and foreign policy frequently reference 9/11, ensuring its continued relevance in current affairs and historical analysis. The attacks were the deadliest terrorist acts in world history, with their impact still felt globally.
How does it affect people?
The 9/11 attacks had a profound and lasting impact on people worldwide. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, including citizens from over 90 countries, and many more have suffered from long-term health consequences. In the aftermath, airport security measures were drastically increased globally, changing the way people travel. The attacks also fueled Islamophobia and led to the implementation of new anti-terror legislation and government surveillance programs in many countries, raising ongoing debates about civil liberties and privacy. The event left a deep psychological scar, particularly in the United States, and continues to influence cultural and political landscapes.