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U.S. military response during the September 11 attacks

The U.S. military response during the September 11 attacks was swift and multifaceted, involving several branches of the military, coordination with civilian agencies, and changes in defense protocols. Below is a comprehensive guide covering key aspects of the military response:

1. The Immediate Response to the Attacks

On the morning of September 11, 2001, four commercial airliners were hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists. Two of the planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control of the plane.

  • NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command): NORAD is responsible for monitoring and defending U.S. airspace. When the first hijacked flight, American Airlines Flight 11, was detected deviating from its course, NORAD scrambled fighter jets from bases in Massachusetts, but it was too late to intercept the aircraft before it hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
  • Air Force Response: After the attacks, NORAD initiated a full-scale response, including grounding all civilian air traffic. Fighter jets from various bases, including Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, were scrambled to patrol the skies and prevent further hijackings.

2. Evacuation and Ground Defense

  • Pentagon Evacuation: The Pentagon was struck by American Airlines Flight 77 at 9:37 AM. Immediately after the attack, military and civilian personnel worked to evacuate the building. The Pentagon's emergency response teams, including firefighters and medical teams, took swift action to contain fires and provide aid.
  • Ground-based Defenses: The U.S. military was on high alert to protect other potential targets. This included securing key locations such as the White House and nuclear facilities. In Washington, D.C., fighter jets were deployed to patrol the airspace, and the National Military Command Center (NMCC) activated emergency operations.

3. Civil and Military Coordination

  • National Command Authority (NCA): The NCA, which includes the President, the Secretary of Defense, and other senior officials, was responsible for coordinating the U.S. military’s overall response. President George W. Bush was in Sarasota, Florida, when the attacks occurred and was quickly evacuated to a secure location. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, along with military leaders, worked from the Pentagon's secure bunkers to manage the crisis.
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS): The JCS coordinated all branches of the military, providing guidance on air operations, defense, and any potential military strikes. Communication between the President and senior military leaders, including via secure satellite communications, was key in the immediate response.

4. Operation Noble Eagle

In response to the terrorist attacks, the U.S. military initiated Operation Noble Eagle on September 11, 2001. This was a domestic defense operation designed to provide air and ground defense against further attacks and to ensure the protection of U.S. airspace.

  • Air Patrols: Fighter jets were deployed over major cities and airfields to establish a protective "no-fly zone." The goal was to prevent any further hijackings or attacks from the air.
  • Ground Security: The National Guard was mobilized to assist with civil defense, secure government buildings, and provide logistical support to law enforcement agencies.

5. Operation Enduring Freedom

  • U.S. Military Response Abroad: In the days following the September 11 attacks, the U.S. military focused on retaliatory actions against al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which harbored Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaeda leaders.
  • Invasion of Afghanistan (October 7, 2001): U.S. military forces, along with allied forces (including the United Kingdom), began Operation Enduring Freedom, targeting Taliban military infrastructure and al-Qaeda training camps. U.S. Special Forces, alongside the Northern Alliance, began ground operations, which were supported by airstrikes and drone surveillance.
  • Air Strikes and Bombing Campaign: The U.S. Air Force launched a series of aerial bombardments against Taliban and al-Qaeda positions, using a combination of fighter jets, bombers, and cruise missiles. The goal was to cripple Taliban forces, neutralize al-Qaeda leadership, and dismantle their network.

6. Security and Intelligence Operations

  • U.S. Intelligence Community: The intelligence agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and NSA, worked together to investigate the attacks and uncover the identities and locations of the terrorists. Efforts were made to track down the leaders of al-Qaeda, culminating in the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
  • Increased Homeland Security: Following the attacks, the U.S. military, working with civilian agencies, began implementing heightened security measures, such as the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which would coordinate efforts to protect the U.S. from future terrorist attacks.

7. Long-term Military Strategy Post-9/11

  • Global War on Terror: The events of September 11 led to a broader, sustained military campaign known as the "Global War on Terror" (GWOT). The U.S. military extended operations beyond Afghanistan, including the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was justified by the belief that Saddam Hussein’s regime had ties to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (though this was later disputed).
  • Military Transformation: The attacks led to significant changes in U.S. military strategy, including a shift toward counterterrorism operations, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and the use of special operations forces, such as Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. Drones and other technologies became central to the U.S. military's counterterrorism operations.

8. Coordination with NATO and Allies

  • Article 5 of NATO: The September 11 attacks marked the first time in history that NATO invoked Article 5 of its founding treaty, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all members. This led to allied nations offering support to the U.S., including air and ground forces for operations in Afghanistan.

9. Legacy of U.S. Military Response

  • Expanded Military Presence: The U.S. established long-term military bases in Afghanistan and the surrounding region, maintaining a military presence to monitor and combat terrorist activity.
  • Ongoing Counterterrorism Operations: The U.S. military continues to be engaged in counterterrorism operations worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. The fight against al-Qaeda and its affiliates continues, and the U.S. military has adapted to new threats, such as the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) and other terrorist organizations.

Conclusion

The military response to the September 11 attacks was decisive and marked the beginning of an era of heightened counterterrorism operations and security measures. From the immediate scramble to protect U.S. airspace to the long-term military engagement in Afghanistan and beyond, the U.S. military's response was designed to eliminate the immediate threat posed by al-Qaeda and to prevent future attacks. The attacks had a profound and lasting impact on U.S. military strategy, defense policy, and international relations, reshaping the military landscape for decades to come.

Written by Hitarth Manish Surana


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