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Attack on Trade Center
Hijacked airliners crash into both towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside Washington. Deaths totaled more than 2,600 -
The war in Afghanistan begins
Shortly after the first U.S. missiles hit Kabul, television news channels air footage of bin Laden that was clearly pre-recorded. Dressed in combat fatigues, he says: “I say these events have split the whole world into two camps: the camp of the faithful and the camp of the infidels. Every Muslim should support his religion.” -
Afghanistan Leaflets
U.S. soldiers start distributing leaflets in Afghanistan offering a $25 million reward for bin Laden -
Battle at Tora Bora
The Battle at Tora Bora rages in Afghanistan. Before escaping U.S. capture, bin Laden signs a last will and testament on Dec. 14, 2001. -
Hostages Killed
About 50 armed Chechen militants seize a theater in Moscow where more than 800 People are gathered for a performance. More than 120 hostages die when security services gas the building. -
Broadcast
Al-Jazeera broadcasts an audiotape of bin Laden calling on Iraqis to carry out suicide attacks against U.S. forces. Washington calls it evidence of an alliance between al-Qaida and Saddam Hussein. -
The U.S. invades Iraq.
The U.S. invades Iraq. -
Execution of Hussein
Saddam Hussein is captured. He is brought to trial under the Iraqi interim government. On Nov. 5 2006, he is convicted of charges related to the 1982 killing of 148 Iraqi Shi’ites and was sentenced to death by hanging. Saddam is executed on Dec. 30, 2006. -
Audiotape
An audiotape allegedly from bin Laden claims responsibility for an attempt to blow up a plane en route to Michigan on Christmas Day 2009, and it warns the U.S. of more attacks. -
Execution of Bin Laden
bin Laden is killed in a U.S. raid on his compound in Pakistan.
