September 11 marks a day of infamy in modern history, but it’s often misunderstood that the World Trade Tower was targeted twice by terrorists, with the first attack occurring on February 26, 1993.
On that day, a truck bomb exploded in the underground garage of the North Tower, causing widespread damage and killing six people. However, the question seems to conflate this event with the September 11 attacks of 2001, which were far more devastating.
The World Trade Center (WTC) was a complex of seven buildings in Lower Manhattan, New York City, including the iconic Twin Towers. The complex was designed by Minoru Yamasaki and built between 1966 and 1973.
At the time of their completion, the 110-story Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world, standing at 1,368 feet (417 meters) and 1,362 feet (415 meters) for the North and South Towers, respectively.
Located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, the World Trade Center was a hub for international trade and finance.
The complex was home to over 500 businesses, including financial institutions, insurance companies, and government agencies.
The WTC’s significance extended beyond its economic importance, as it was a symbol of American prosperity and global influence.
The World Trade Center was owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Austin J. Tobin was the Executive Director of the Port Authority from 1942 to 1972, playing a crucial role in the development of the World Trade Center.
Larry Silverstein, a prominent real estate developer, leased the World Trade Center complex in 2001, just weeks before the 9/11 attacks.
On February 26, 1993, a group of terrorists led by Ramzi Yousef detonated a truck bomb in the underground garage of the North Tower.
The blast created a 200-foot-by-100-foot hole, causing significant damage and killing six people. The attack was intended to destabilize the North Tower and send it crashing into the South Tower, but fortunately, this plan failed.
Eight years later, on September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was attacked again, this time by al-Qaeda-affiliated hijackers.
Two commercial airliners, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were intentionally crashed into the Twin Towers, causing massive damage and fires.
The towers collapsed within hours, resulting in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history, with nearly 3,000 people killed.
After the 9/11 attacks, the World Trade Center site underwent a massive redevelopment effort. One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, was completed in 2014 and stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum was dedicated in 2014, honouring the victims of the 1993 and 2001 attacks.
Larry Silverstein continues to play a role in the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to hold this position, taking office on March 1, 2021.
Her appointment was a significant milestone, and she has been instrumental in guiding the WTO through complex global challenges.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment for a second four-year term, which began on September 1, 2025, underscores her exceptional leadership and contributions to advancing the global trade agenda.
Her priorities include strengthening digital trade, improving supply chain resilience, and advancing sustainable development.
In her address to the General Council, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of the WTO in promoting global prosperity and cooperation, stating that “the WTO must continue to be a driver of progress and stability in the global economy, working together to build a more dynamic, inclusive, and responsive trading system”.
The reappointment process adhered to WTO procedures and was carried out transparently, with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala receiving unanimous support from WTO members.
Ambassador Petter Ásmundstveit, Chair of the General Council, praised Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership, noting that “her ability to foster inclusivity and her forward-thinking approach have significantly enhanced the organization’s impact on global trade”.
As the WTO Director-General, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala plays a crucial role in shaping the future of global trade. Her leadership has been widely praised, and she continues to work towards promoting a fair, open, and rules-based global trading environment.
With her reappointment, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is poised to further strengthen the WTO’s role in promoting global prosperity and cooperation and with the others ensure that the world does not witness a recurrence of the September 11 attack.
Given America’s status as a world superpower, the Taliban and other terrorist organizations’ success in bombing the World Trade Center highlights significant vulnerabilities in national security.
This devastating event exposed weaknesses in intelligence sharing and aviation security, underscoring the need for robust security measures and international cooperation.
To prevent similar attacks, the US government has implemented several key measures. Enhanced security protocols have been established, including the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to standardize airport security procedures.
Intelligence reforms have also been made, such as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), to improve coordination and information sharing between intelligence agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created to consolidate federal agencies and improve coordination in securing US borders, infrastructure, and population from terrorist threats.
Advanced technology, including algorithms and big data analytics, is used to identify potential threats, track suspicious financial transactions, and monitor extremist online activities.
Furthermore, the US has emphasized building alliances with global partners through intelligence-sharing agreements, joint counterterrorism operations, and capacity-building initiatives.
Despite these efforts, the threat of terrorism persists, and the evolving nature of threats requires ongoing adaptation and improvement in security measures.
The US continues to face challenges from terrorist organizations, and staying ahead of these threats demands sustained vigilance and proactive counterterrorism efforts.
While the 9/11 attacks exposed vulnerabilities in US national security, the implementation of enhanced security protocols, intelligence reforms, and international cooperation has helped to mitigate these risks.
Continued adaptation and improvement in security measures are essential to preventing future terrorist attacks and protecting US citizens.
The World Trade Center’s history is marked by tragedy and resilience. From its construction to the devastating attacks it suffered, the WTC remains an important symbol of American strength and determination.
As the site continues to evolve, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of promoting peace, understanding, and international cooperation.