The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of September 11, 2001. The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences, in addition to at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. It is important to note that al-Qaeda is not a monolithic organization, and there are different factions within the group that have different goals and objectives.
Perpetrators
The 9/11 attacks were carried out by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists who hijacked four commercial airplanes. The hijackers were mostly Saudi Arabian nationals, but there were also citizens from Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. They were trained in al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
History
Al-Qaeda was founded in the late 1980s by Osama bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi Arabian who was inspired by the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda’s stated goal is to establish a pan-Islamic caliphate, or Islamic state, in the Middle East. The group has carried out numerous terrorist attacks against the United States and its allies, including the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen.
Do they attack only American interests?
No, al-Qaeda has attacked other countries as well, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Pakistan. The group has also targeted civilians in these countries.
Where do they originate?
Al-Qaeda originated in Afghanistan, but the group has cells in many other countries, including the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Is it a group or a single individual?
Al-Qaeda is a group, but it is also led by a single individual, Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden was killed by US forces in 2011, but al-Qaeda continues to exist and operate under the leadership of Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Goals
Al-Qaeda’s goals are to expel the United States and its allies from the Middle East, to establish a pan-Islamic caliphate, and to wage jihad against its enemies.
How do they finance their terror?
Al-Qaeda finances its activities through a variety of means, including donations from wealthy individuals, fundraising activities, and criminal activities such as drug trafficking and extortion.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a major turning point in American history. The attacks led to the War on Terror, which has had a significant impact on the United States and the world. The attacks also had a profound impact on the lives of the victims and their families.
