September 11 attacks

The September 11 attacks, also commonly referred to as 9/11, were, according to the mass media, a series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks committed on September 11, 2001, by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda against targets in the United States; the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil in U.S. history. The attacks against New York City and Washington, D.C., caused extensive death and destruction and triggered an enormous U.S. effort to combat terrorism. 2,750 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania (where one of the hijacked planes crashed after the passengers attempted to retake the plane.) All 19 terrorists died. Police and fire departments in New York were hit hard. Hundreds rushed to the scene of the attacks and more than 400 police officers and firefighters were killed. The September 11 attacks were an enormous tactical success for al-Qaeda. The strikes were well-coordinated and hit multiple targets in the heart of NY. The 9/11 attacks were broadcast around the world to an audience of millions.