What was the American government's response to the terrorist group al-Qaeda?

The American government's response to the terrorist group al-Qaeda was multifaceted and involved various measures:

1. Military Action in Afghanistan : In the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S. launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to dismantle the Taliban regime, which had harbored al-Qaeda. This military intervention aimed to disrupt and eliminate al-Qaeda's operational capabilities.

2. Global War on Terror : The U.S. declared a "Global War on Terror," signaling a commitment to addressing terrorism worldwide. This included diplomatic, intelligence, and military efforts in different regions to counteract the influence and operations of al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

3. International Cooperation : The U.S. collaborated with various countries and international organizations to share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and implement measures to combat terrorism globally. This collaborative approach aimed to address the transnational nature of terrorist threats.

4. Homeland Security Measures : Domestically, the U.S. implemented significant changes to enhance homeland security. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003 consolidated various agencies and functions to better protect the country from terrorist threats and respond to emergencies.

5. Legislation - USA PATRIOT Act : In 2001, the U.S. Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act). This legislation expanded the government's surveillance and law enforcement powers to investigate and prevent acts of terrorism.

6. Capture of Osama bin Laden : In 2011, U.S. Navy SEALs successfully carried out a raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, resulting in the death of al-Qaeda's leader, Osama bin Laden.

7. Enhanced Airport Security : The U.S. implemented rigorous security measures at airports and other transportation hubs to prevent future terrorist attacks, including the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

These responses reflected a comprehensive strategy to address the immediate threat posed by al-Qaeda and to prevent future acts of terrorism on both domestic and international fronts.