Rare Footage of September 11 Terrorist Attack in US

On September 11, 2001, a series of terrorist attacks took place in New York City. Two Boeing 767 planes hijacked by al-Qaeda* terrorists crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, another plane, a Boeing 757, smashed into the US Department of Defense building in Washington.

The fourth hijacked plane, Boeing 757 - United Airlines Flight 93 - crashed in Pennsylvania. It is believed that its target was the Capitol or the White House. The passengers of Flight 93, having learned about the hijacking of other planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, decided to regain control of the plane and break open the door of the pilot's cabin where the hijackers were located.

A fire broke out in the twin towers, cutting off the escape route for people on the upper floors. Less than two hours later, both 110-story skyscrapers collapsed.

There were approximately 17,400 people inside the World Trade Center towers when the planes rammed into them. Among the dead were citizens of 77 countries, and thousands of people were wounded or seriously hurt in the attack.

In addition to the 19 terrorists, the attack killed 2,977 people, making it the largest terrorist attack in history in terms of casualties.

Take a look at Sputnik Africa's photo gallery covering the deadly US terrorist attack and its aftermath!

* terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries

1 / 15

A New York Army National Guard Soldier mans a checkpoint at the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 14, 2001.

2 / 15

President George W. Bush watches as Flight 175 hits the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

3 / 15

Smoke rises from the site of the World Trade Center Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001.

4 / 15

Rescue and emergency personnel rally around President George W. Bush Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, during his visit to New York City.

5 / 15

A worker looks on as a crane moves debris into a truck in the remains of the World Trade Center complex in New York, Friday morning, Oct. 5, 2001.

6 / 15

A sign states "All Crossings to New York Closed" after the September 11, 2001.

7 / 15

President Bush is seen through the windows of the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, as he addresses the nation about terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

8 / 15

Crying woman standing in street with ambulance in background, following the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, New York City.

9 / 15

This photo released 17 September 2001 by the US Navy Visual News service shows rescue workers conducting search and rescue attempts 14 September 2001, descending deep into the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York.

10 / 15

Firefighters struggle to contain the fire after the terrorist attack, Sept. 11, 2001

11 / 15

Onboard the aircraft carrier USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69), US Navy (USN) Sailors watch televised news reports, showing the World Trade Center, during the terrorist attacks.

12 / 15

Rescue worker reaching into a New York Police car covered with debris while New York City fire fighters spray water on smoldering ruins in background, following September 11th terrorist attack.

13 / 15

A worker vacuums up debris in downtown Manhattan on Sept. 15, 2001.

14 / 15

New York, NY (Sept. 14, 2001) -- What was once a glittering symbol of the financial center of the world now stands blanketed in ash and soot.

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jim Watson / U.S. Navy photo /

15 / 15

As rescue and recovery operations continued, family members gathered at the Pentagon on September 15 to view the area where their loved ones perished.