United States marks anniversary of September 11 attacks

The United States observes the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, reflecting on the profound impact the events had on American society, government agencies, and international relations.

The attacks catalyzed the nation’s war on terrorism and significantly influenced U.S. policy, leading to the 2003 invasion of Iraq under Operation Iraqi Freedom. While the invasion involved massive military and financial commitments, the pursuit of al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden continued for a decade, eventually resulting in his death by Navy SEALs in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011.