The Twin Towers were attacked on September 11, 2001, as part of a coordinated terrorist attack by the Islamist extremist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. The reasons for the attack include al-Qaeda's opposition to U.S. policies and actions in the Middle East and other regions, particularly:
- U.S. support for Israel and its military actions against Palestinians and other Muslim groups.
- The presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia.
- U.S. support for various governments involved in conflicts with Muslims, such as in Somalia, the Philippines, Lebanon, Chechnya, and Kashmir.
- Sanctions against Iraq.
- General opposition to American economic and military power, seen by al-Qaeda as oppressive towards Muslims.
Bin Laden described the attacks as retaliation for what he perceived as American aggression against Muslims, including civilian casualties. He also targeted the symbolic centers of U.S. economic and military power, like the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The attacks were intended to punish and deter the U.S. from continuing such policies and to provoke wider conflict that could rally support for al-Qaeda's cause.
