The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, orchestrated by Al-Qaeda, profoundly transformed the global landscape. Nineteen terrorists hijacked four planes, leading to the destruction of New York’s Twin Towers, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and the crash of United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. This catastrophic event resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and prompted immediate and sweeping actions by the United States, including the invasion of Afghanistan to dismantle Al-Qaeda and oust the Taliban.

In the aftermath of 9/11, the U.S. embarked on a prolonged war on terror, significantly reshaping its foreign and domestic policies. The invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the subsequent war in Iraq in 2003 marked the beginning of extensive military engagements. Despite initial successes, these conflicts have resulted in significant casualties, with over 4,700 U.S. and allied troop deaths and more than 100,000 Iraqi civilian deaths. The wars also led to a staggering displacement of approximately 38 million people.

Two decades later, the impact of 9/11 remains palpable. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security, new surveillance laws under the Patriot Act, and the establishment of Guantanamo Bay have all been direct consequences of the attacks. The wars have left lasting scars, with ongoing debates about their efficacy and human cost. As the world reflects on the legacy of 9/11, the fight against terrorism continues, with recent events, such as the killing of Al-Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri in 2022, illustrating the enduring nature of the conflict.