Terrorism+Against+the+United+States



The United States suffered several brutal attacks of terrorism during the 1990s. When the 2000s came along, nothing changed and the United States still suffered from brutal terrorist attacks. In October 2000, terrorists attacked the USS Cole which was an American warship. That day in October, seventeen American sailors died. Federal officials came to believe that Osama bin Laden played a key role in these attacks. It was said that Bin Laden was in control of the terrorist network known as al Qaeda.
 * The First Terrorist Threat in 2000 **

September 11, 2001 was one of the most tragic days in the United States. A hijacked passenger airliner crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. About 15 minutes later, another plane the south tower. The plane crashes didn’t end here, about 30 minutes later another airliner crashed into the Pentagon, near Washington D.C. Then, a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania before it could reach its intended target. The United States was being attacked by terrorist. The twin towers burst into flames which led to the collapse of the buildings and some buildings near by. The number of people presumed dead was 2,749. The attack of the Pentagon left 184 people dead and 40 passengers and crew died in the Pennsylvania crash. September 11, 2001 is a date that will become known as 9/11 and it will never be forgotten.
 * September 11, 2001 **

After the attacks of 9/11 took place, law-enforcement immediately went under investigation. The United States had help from countries around the world who agreed to help find the people who caused these assaults. After a few days of investigation, government officials came to the conclusion that Osama bin Laden, leader of the al Qaeda terrorist network was the suspect. Bin Laden was hiding in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban. The United States demanded the Taliban to shut down terrorist training camps and to turn over bin Laden. When the Taliban refused these demands, the United States and Great Britain launched a bombing campaign on Taliban military. The war had begun, and the United States defeated the Taliban and the al Qaeda’s operations in Afghanistan. Bin Laden still remained missing and his whereabouts remained a mystery.
 * America's Response **