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Osama Bin Laden's Birth
Osama Bin Laden, the most infamous Al Qaeda leader, was born on this day. Bin Laden was known for his major terrorist attacks against the United States. He was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. -
Al Qaeda Officially Established
Although the exact date is unknown, it is known that Al Qaeda was established in August 1988. Bin Laden was not the official leader at this time but he was a major component. "The Base" operated out of Afghanistan and Peshawar, Pakistan. -
Soviet Union Withdraws From Afghanistan
After about ten years of conflict, the Soviet Union admits defeat in Afghanistan and withdraws. This gives Al Qaeda a sense of confidence that they can replicate this victory all over the world. This "humiliating" defeat is said to be part of the downfall of the Soviet Union. -
Al Qaeda Leader Killed
Al Qaeda leader Sheik Abdullah Azzam is killed in a car bomb. A battle for control broke out after this with one group focusing on the creation of an Islamic State in Afghanistan while the other is an extremist group. The extremist group, backing Osama Bin Laden, eventually wins and takes power. -
Al Qaeda's First Attack
A bomb explodes in a Yemen hotel killing two Austrian Tourists. This attack is believed to have been intended for US Servicemen. Two Yemeni muslims, trained in Afghanistan, are injured and arrested as they are believed to have carried out the attack. -
The First Attack on US Soil
A car bomb explodes in the parking garage of the World Trade Center. This attack kills six and injures hundreds of people. Ramzi Yousef is arrested as the head of the attack and Osama Bin Laden's name is found on many documents related to the attack. -
"Black Hawk Down"
Eighteen American soldiers are attacked in Somalia. Later the attack is blamed on Bin Laden and his followers as they were the ones who trained the attackers. This event is later adapted into a movie by the name "Black Hawk Down". -
9/11
In a major terrorist attack, planned by Osama Bin Laden, US planes are hijacked and two are flown into the World Trade Center in New York City while another crashes into the Pentagon and the other in a Pennsylvania field. This attack is recognized as the largest terrorist attack in history killing 2977 US citizens and injuring over 6000 others. This event kicked off the manhunt for Osama Bin Laden and the war on Al Qaeda. -
Al Qaeda Begins Transmitting Video
Sometime in 2004 Al Qaeda began transmitting videos of Osama Bin Laden talking to US citizens. Where the videos are sent from or how they are uploaded is entirely unknown. Videos are uploaded of Bin Laden addressing the US up until his death in 2011. -
Osama Bin Laden Is Killed
On May 2, 2011, US president Barack Obama addresses the nation celebrating the death of Islamic terrorist Osama Bin Laden. Bin Laden was killed early in the morning in a nighttime attack by Seal Team 6. On this day many US citizens rejoiced at the death of the man who killed thousands of other Americans
