What was the impact of the attack on the Pentagon?

The attack on the Pentagon had both immediate and lasting impacts. On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington, Virginia. This was one of the four coordinated attacks carried out by the terrorist group al-Qaeda.

Immediate impacts include:

1. Casualties: The attack on the Pentagon resulted in the deaths of 184 people, including 125 military and civilian personnel inside the Pentagon and 59 passengers and crew members on the plane. 2. Physical Damage: A section of the Pentagon was severely damaged, leading to a part of the building collapsing and requiring extensive rebuilding and repairs. 3. Psychological Impact: The attack created a sense of vulnerability within the American populace and government, as the Pentagon represents the heart of the U.S. military. 4. Emergency Response: The attack triggered a large-scale emergency response, including firefighters, police, and medical personnel, to assist with the aftermath and injuries.

Long-term impacts include:

1. War on Terror: The Pentagon attack, along with the attacks on the World Trade Center, propelled the United States into launching the War on Terror, leading to military actions in countries including Afghanistan and Iraq. 2. Defense Reorganization: The attack led to a significant reevaluation of the U.S. defense and security policies, resulting in organizational changes aimed at preventing future attacks. 3. Increased Security: Military and civilian security measures were tightened significantly, both inside the Pentagon and throughout the country. 4. National Unity and Policy: In the wake of the attacks, there was a brief period of national unity and bipartisan support for policies to address terrorism.