On September 11, 2001, four commercial planes were hijacked by 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists, then crashed into the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City, the Pentagon. and a field in Pennsylvania. The tragedy claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.
The North and South towers of the WTC were targeted in the first two attacks. At 8:45 a.m. on September 11, 2001, the first American Airlines Boeing 767 crashed into the North Tower. Just 18 minutes later, a United Airlines Boeing 767 crashed into the South Tower.
Images of the terrorist incident were captured by the high-resolution commercial satellite IKONOS.
Satellite image showing the scene of the WTC attack. Photo: Maxar Technologies
At 9:45 a.m., the third American Airlines plane crashed west of the headquarters of the US Department of Defense, also known as the Pentagon. And a fourth plane – United Airlines number 93 – crashed into a field in Pennsylvania as the passengers and crew bravely fought off the hijackers.
West of the US Department of Defense was destroyed. Photo: Maxar Technologies
Photo taken on September 13, 2001 where Flight 93 crashed. Photo: Maxar Technologies
After the terrorist attack, the US rebuilt the western area of the Pentagon to its original shape, overlooking the 9/11-2001 Memorial of the Pentagon in the southwest.
In addition, to commemorate and honor the passengers and crew on Flight 93, the Flight 93 National Monument was built near the town of Shanksville, Southwest Pennsylvania.
National Monument after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Photo: Maxar Technologies
The Pentagon’s 9/11-2001 Memorial in the Southwest. Photo: Maxar Technologies
Flight 93 National Monument. Photo: Maxar Technologies
