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Question

On September 11, 2001, where did the third aircraft crash in the US headquarters of defence?

The correct answer is

Pentagon building

Understanding the 9/11 Attacks and Aircraft Crash Sites

The question asks about the location where the third aircraft crashed on September 11, 2001, specifically targeting the US headquarters of defense. The events of September 11, 2001, involved a series of coordinated terrorist attacks using hijacked commercial airplanes.

Several planes were hijacked and used in these attacks. The targets included prominent buildings and symbols of American power. Let's look at what happened to the hijacked aircraft:

  • Two aircraft crashed into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.
  • One aircraft crashed into the Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia. The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense.
  • One aircraft crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew attempted to regain control from the hijackers.

The question specifies the US headquarters of defense. This location is the Pentagon building. Therefore, the aircraft that crashed there was one of the planes involved in the 9/11 attacks.

Identifying the Third Crash Location

While the order of the attacks is sometimes debated or remembered differently, the crash sites are confirmed historical facts:

  1. American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
  2. United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
  3. American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.
  4. United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Based on this sequence and the targets, the third aircraft to crash hit the Pentagon building, which is the headquarters of the US Department of Defense.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the given options in relation to the 9/11 attacks:

  • North & South Towers: These were the targets of the first two planes, located in New York City, part of the World Trade Center complex.
  • Pentagon building: This is the headquarters of the US Department of Defense, located in Arlington, Virginia. It was the target of the third plane.
  • Capitol building of the US Congress: This is a significant building in Washington D.C., but it was not hit by any of the planes on 9/11, although it is believed to have been a potential target for United Airlines Flight 93.
  • World Trade Centre: This complex in New York City included the North and South Towers, which were hit by the first two planes.

The question specifically asks for the crash site at the US headquarters of defense, which is the Pentagon. The third aircraft, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon.

Conclusion

The third aircraft to crash on September 11, 2001, struck the Pentagon building, which serves as the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense.

Revision Table: 9/11 Crash Sites

Aircraft Target/Location Order of Crash
American Airlines Flight 11 World Trade Center North Tower, New York City 1st
United Airlines Flight 175 World Trade Center South Tower, New York City 2nd
American Airlines Flight 77 Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia 3rd
United Airlines Flight 93 Shanksville, Pennsylvania field 4th

Additional Information on 9/11 Events

The September 11, 2001, attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks against the United States. The attacks resulted in a significant loss of life and had profound global impacts. The investigation into the attacks led to significant changes in national security policies and the War on Terror. Understanding the specific targets and locations of each crash is crucial for comprehending the full scope of the events of that day.

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Important Questions from Security in Contemporary World

  1. Which of the following treaty was rejected by India as discriminatory as it prevented only non-nuclear countries from acquiring nuclear weapons ?

  2. In the joint military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’, 2024, which two nations collaborated to enhance interoperability through knowledge exchange?

  3. India wanted to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Under the guidance of which scientist was the nuclear program in India initiated?

  4. Which organisation of ASEAN deals with security and foreign policy?

  5. Match List - I with List - II.

    List - I (Terms)List - II (Meaning)
    A. Arms ControlI. The protection of communities and individuals from internal violence
    B. DisarmamentII. Building up of military power by one country to counter other country's military power
    C. Human SecurityIII. Regulates the acquisition or development of certain types of weapons
    D. Balance of PowerIV. Giving up certain types of weapons

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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