Terrorism Attacks In The US

It began with an attack on The World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City. Two hijacked airplanes, a 737 and then a 767, hit the twin towers within half an hour of each other. Further explosions followed less than an hour later, causing both towers to collapse on themselves. BBC Online report that one of the airplanes which hit the WTC contained 53 passengers, compared to a potential capacity of over 200.

There were reports of people jumping from at least 110 stories high at the WTC, others seriously injured. New York Mayor Rudolph Guiliani said there were at least 1,500 "walking wounded" and said it was likely that a "horrendous number of lives" had been lost.

In Washington D.C., major landmarks were evacuated, including the Treasury, the Department of Defence, Capitol Hill and the White House. The White House was evacuated following reports of a 'credible attack' being made on the mansion. This followed a third airplane crash - this time colliding with the Pentagon. The building was evacuated, but part of the building eventually collapsed. A fourth airplane reportedly crashed 80 miles south of Pittsburg, PA. but it has not yet been determined whether it was connected to the attacks in D.C. and NY.

All air travel in and out of the United States was cancelled, with incoming flights being sent to Canada. Other airports across the world have closed down, with London now a "no-fly zone". US army bases across the world stepped up their security. Stock exchanges ceased trading almost minutes after the original attack on the WTC.

Landmarks across the country were secured. Los Angeles International Airport, CA and Disney World, FL were evacuated, and borders with Mexico and Canada put on "highest alert". The Sears Tower in Chicago, IL was evacuated but seemingly only as a precaution. In Atlanta, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention were secured. Bioterrorism teams were being prepared as a precaution.

International condemnation of the attacks was swift, with Russia, China, and several Middle East all offering condolences. The Taliban's ambassador to Pakistan has issued a statement saying that Afghanistan "feels [the United States'] pain and we hope that the courts find justice". Meanwhile British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the United Kingdom stood "shoulder to shoulder with out American friends in this hour of tragedy and we, like them, will not rest until this evil is driven from our world" (Full story).