The September 11, 2001 attacks, coordinated by Al Qaeda, were among the most significant events of the early 21st century. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and profoundly changed international security, civil aviation, and the perception of global terrorism.
Four hijacked commercial airplanes were used as weapons against strategic targets in the United States. Two struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, one hit the Pentagon in Washington, and the fourth crashed in rural Pennsylvania after passenger resistance. The Twin Towers collapsed in just over an hour.
The consequences of the attacks were vast, triggering the "war on terror," increasing internal surveillance, and changing security policies in various countries. Civil aviation also underwent lasting changes with stricter control and security regulations. More than two decades later, September 11 continues to be remembered as a historic turning point.
