What were the major events of the September 11 attacks and their aftermath?

The September 11 attacks, also known as 9/11, were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the extremist group Al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, in the United States. The major events of the attacks and their aftermath include:

1. Attacks on the World Trade Center: At 8:46 am, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Shortly after, at 9:03 am, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. These deliberate crashes caused both towers to collapse within hours, resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.

2. Attack on the Pentagon: At 9:37 am, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the western side of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, in Arlington, Virginia. This attack resulted in the deaths of 184 people.

3. United Airlines Flight 93: Another hijacked plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was headed towards a target in Washington, D.C. However, the passengers on board fought back against the hijackers, and the plane ultimately crashed into a field in Pennsylvania at 10:03 am. All 44 people on board were killed, but their heroic actions prevented further destruction.

4. Immediate aftermath: The attacks led to the closure of airspace across the United States, grounding all civilian aircraft. The stock markets were also closed for several days, causing significant economic disruption. The immediate response involved rescue and recovery efforts, as well as investigations into the attacks.

5. War on Terror: In response to the attacks, the United States launched the War on Terror, with a primary focus on dismantling Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. This led to the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, as the Taliban regime harbored Al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden.

6. Creation of the Department of Homeland Security: In 2002, the United States established the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate efforts to prevent future terrorist attacks within the country.

7. Enhanced security measures: The attacks prompted significant changes in security protocols worldwide. Air travel security was drastically increased, leading to the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the implementation of stricter screening procedures.

8. Long-term impact: The September 11 attacks had a profound impact on global politics, foreign policies, and public perception of terrorism. It led to increased surveillance, the erosion of civil liberties, and a heightened sense of national security in many countries.

Overall, the September 11 attacks were a watershed moment in history, shaping the world's response to terrorism and significantly impacting various aspects of society, security, and international relations.