Summary
On September 11, 2001, extremist hijackers took over four planes in the United States. The planes were used to hit landmarks like the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon. A total of 2,977 people died in the attacks, which had wide-ranging effects worldwide.
Key Facts
- On September 11, 2001, four planes were hijacked by extremist attackers in the United States.
- Two of the planes hit the Twin Towers in New York City, causing both 110-storey buildings to collapse.
- A third plane struck the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US military.
- The fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to retake control.
- In total, 2,977 people died in the attacks, not including the 19 hijackers.
- Many victims were trapped or killed immediately, and 441 first responders were also lost.
- Al-Qaeda, led by Osama Bin Laden, planned the attacks, which were coordinated by Khalid Sheikh Mohammad.
- The US military responded by invading Afghanistan later that year, aiming to dismantle al-Qaeda.
