8:45 a.m.: Shock in Manhattan
On a clear Tuesday morning, at precisely 8:45 a.m., an American Airlines Boeing 767 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The plane carried 20,000 gallons of jet fuel, igniting a devastating fire that consumed several floors near the impact point. Hundreds lost their lives in an instant, with many more trapped on floors above the blaze. The world watched through live broadcasts, thinking it was a terrible accident.
9:03 a.m.: Reality Sets In
Just 18 minutes later, another plane, a United Airlines Boeing 767, veered toward the south tower. The collision resulted in a cataclysmic explosion, leaving no doubt—America was under attack. Debris rained down upon the streets and nearby buildings.
Who Were the Attackers?
The attackers were Islamic terrorists hailing mainly from Saudi Arabia, with connections to other Arab countries. Funded by Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, they cited America's support of Israel and its military presence in the Middle East as the motives behind their attacks.
Planning and Execution
Some of the 19 terrorists had lived in the United States for over a year, taking flying lessons at commercial schools. Others arrived in the months leading up to September 11, acting as the operational "muscle." Utilizing lax security at three East Coast airports, they smuggled simple weapons aboard four California-bound flights. Once airborne, they hijacked these flights, transforming them into devastating weapons.
Tragedy in the Capital: 9:45 a.m.
Meanwhile, American Airlines Flight 77 flew into the west side of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The jet fuel-induced inferno led to structural failure, resulting in 125 military and civilian casualties inside the building, along with the 64 passengers and crew on the plane.
The Towers Collapse
Shortly thereafter, the structural integrity of the World Trade Center’s south tower gave way, collapsing in a plume of smoke and dust. At 10:30 a.m., the north tower followed suit. Nearly 4,000 individuals, including 343 firefighters and 23 police officers, perished. Only six individuals within the towers at the time of the collapse survived, and approximately 10,000 others sustained injuries.
Flight 93: Rebellion in the Sky
A fourth plane, United Flight 93, was also hijacked. However, due to a delayed departure, passengers learned of the other attacks and orchestrated a resistance. While they could not save themselves, their brave actions led to the plane crashing into a field in western Pennsylvania, thwarting further devastation. The intended target remains unknown.
Aftermath and Response
By 7 p.m., President George W. Bush returned to the White House and at 9 p.m., he addressed the nation. He emphasized America's resilience and foreshadowed the coming military response. Within a month, Operation Enduring Freedom was launched, aiming to dismantle the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and al Qaeda's terror network.
Enduring Impacts
The events of September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on America and the world. It led to profound changes in national security policy, international relations, and the collective psyche of a nation. The world before and after that day stand as separate chapters in modern history.