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9/11 Terrorist Attacks - The Timeline

The Infographics Show・2 minutes read

Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 leads to Osama Bin Laden's involvement, culminating in the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Bin Laden's actions against the US and subsequent events culminate in the heroic efforts of passengers on Flight 93 to prevent further devastation.

Insights

  • Osama Bin Laden's involvement in organizing mujahideen groups against Soviet forces in Afghanistan led to the formation of al-Qaeda, sparking a chain of events that escalated into global terrorism.
  • The heroic actions of passengers on Flight 93, who fought back against hijackers, prevented further devastation by crashing the plane in Pennsylvania, showcasing bravery and sacrifice in the face of terrorism.

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Recent questions

  • What led to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan?

    Civil unrest and opposition to communist government.

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Summary

00:00

Bin Laden: From Afghan Hero to Exile

  • 1979: Soviet forces invade Afghanistan due to civil unrest and opposition to the communist government's harsh measures.
  • Osama Bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi, joins the fight against the Soviets, organizing mujahideen groups.
  • The United States supports Afghan resistance with money and weapons, lacking oversight on aid distribution.
  • 1988: Bin Laden forms al-Qaeda after disagreements with other leaders on the role of Arab fighters.
  • 1989: Soviets withdraw from Afghanistan, Bin Laden returns to Saudi Arabia as a hero but faces opposition.
  • Bin Laden's attempts to influence Yemen and Afghanistan's politics fail, leading to tensions with the Saudi monarchy.
  • 1990: Bin Laden opposes US military aid to Saudi Arabia, offering his Arab fighters for defense.
  • Bin Laden's opposition to American troops in Saudi Arabia leads to his exile and surveillance by the US.
  • 1992: Bin Laden moves to Sudan, investing in businesses and infrastructure, gaining local support.
  • Terrorist attacks linked to Bin Laden, including bombings in Yemen and the World Trade Center, prompt US action against him.

12:14

Clinton authorizes CIA to target al-Qaeda

  • Clinton authorizes CIA to destroy terror network
  • CIA receives authorization to pursue al-Qaeda
  • Truck bomb attack on Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia
  • Building #131 houses US Air Force members
  • Al-Qaeda initially blamed for attack, later found to be Saudi Shiite group funded by Iran
  • Iran ordered to pay $800 million in restitution to victims in 2020
  • Bin Laden suspected of plotting attack, becomes America's enemy number one
  • US assembles grand jury to investigate Bin Laden
  • Bin Laden issues Declaration of Jihad outlining al-Qaeda's goals
  • Bin Laden threatens US with Islamic holy war, touts success against Soviet forces in Afghanistan

24:29

Tragic 9/11 Attacks Unfold in Real Time

  • A message intended for passengers is mistakenly broadcast to air traffic control and nearby aircraft, alerting them to an ongoing attack.
  • Pilot Victor J. Saracini of Flight 175 picks up the transmission, unaware that his own plane will soon be hijacked.
  • At 8:30 AM, the World Trade Center is bustling with staff, visitors, and planned events, including conferences and performances.
  • Flight attendant Madeline Amy Sweeney relays key hijacking details to ground personnel from Flight 11 at 8:32 AM.
  • Boston air traffic control contacts the US Air Force to mobilize jets to locate Flight 11 after picking up Mohamed Atta's transmission at 8:37 AM.
  • Flight 93 experiences a significant delay in takeoff, disrupting the hijackers' plans, while Flight 175 is hijacked above New Jersey at 8:42 AM.
  • Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower at 8:46 AM, causing devastation and trapping many above the impact site.
  • Emergency responses are initiated following the crash, with firefighters and police mobilizing for evacuation and rescue efforts.
  • President George W. Bush is informed of the attacks while visiting an elementary school in Florida at 8:50 AM.
  • United Airlines Flight 175 is flown into the South Tower at 9:03 AM, causing further casualties and chaos, captured live on television.

36:59

"Canada protects airspace, US launches combat patrols"

  • Canada accepts redirected international flights from the US but closes its airspace to protect northern American cities.
  • US and Canadian Air Forces launch combat air patrols following joint preparedness plans.
  • Chief Orio Palmer and Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca reach the 78th floor of the South Tower, reporting fire and scattered bodies but no survivors.
  • The National Security Agency intercepts a call indicating a fourth target after the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, suspecting Flight 93's involvement.
  • Air Force One departs from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, circling for 40 minutes to discuss the President's safety amid potential threats.
  • Flight 93 passengers decide to fight hijackers, leading to the plane's crash in Pennsylvania, thwarting the terrorist plot and saving lives.
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