M A I N   N E W S

Chronology of major developments since
September 11

London, October 7
Following is a chronology of major developments around the world between the attacks on September 11 and the start of US strikes on Afghanistan on October 7.

Tuesday, September 11

— The World Trade Center in New York is destroyed when two hijacked planes crash into its towers. Another plane hits the Pentagon near Washington and a fourth crashes in Pennsylvania.

— US President George W. Bush pledges to "hunt down’’ those responsible.

— Stocks and US Dollar plunge, safe-haven bonds soar as most US Markets and Wall Street institutions close.

— US airspace closed.

— Officials say people with possible links to Saudi-born dissident Osama bin Laden are the likely perpetrators.

Wednesday, September 12

— Bush says he will make no distinction between the perpetrators of the atrocities and those who harbour them.

Thursday, September 13

— US Secretary of State Colin Powell confirms that Bin Laden, believed to be in Afghanistan, is a suspect.

— NATO and Russia issue rare joint statement calling for international efforts to combat global terrorism.

Friday, September 14

— Bush visits World Trade Center ruins, having declared a national day of remembrance. Europe observes day of mourning.

— Leader of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban movement defends Bin Laden against US accusations.

— US Senate approves $40 billion for counter-terrorism, rescue and recovery, authorises force against perpetrators.

Saturday, September 15

— Bush says the USA at war, Bin Laden prime suspect.

Monday, September 17

— New York Stock Exchange reopens after longest shutdown since Great Depression.

Tuesday, September 18

— Taliban closes Afghan airspace, air defences on alert.

— Examination of options activity and trading in airline shares indicates possible plans to profit from the disaster.

Wednesday, September 19

— Last major restrictions on US airspace lifted.

— American Airlines says cutting at least 20,000 jobs.

Thursday, September 20

— Afghan clerics recommend Bin Laden leave the country, but Washington demands he be turned over to responsible authorities.

Friday, September 21

— Mohammad Zahir Shah, exiled former Afghan king, appeals for emergency assembly to elect head of state, form government.

Saturday, September 22

— Bush lifts US sanctions imposed on Pakistan and India.

Monday, September 24

— Bush says Bin Laden and Al-Qaida network’s assets frozen, many other governments later announce similar actions.

— Taliban Defence Minister Mullah Obaidullah says he is mobilising 300,000 more men.

— Bin Laden quoted on television urging Pakistanis to fight any assault on Afghanistan by "crusader Americans’’.

Tuesday, September 25

— Saudi Arabia severs diplomatic relations with Taliban, leaving Pakistan the only state to recognise them.

— The USA changes code name of "Operation Infinite Justice’’ military build-up to "Operation Enduring Freedom’’ after objections from some Islamic scholars.

Thursday, September 27

— Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar warns Afghans of perils of collaborating with the USA to win power.

— Bush announces $500 million in federal funding for aviation security, Air Force authorised to order commercial planes shot down if these threaten US cities.

— FBI releases names, pictures of 19 suspected hijackers, for first time linking some to Bin Laden’s network.

Friday, September 28

— British journalist Yvonne Ridley arrested on suspicion of spying near Afghan border with Pakistan.

Sunday, September 30

— Taliban Ambassador to Pakistan says his movement is hiding Bin Laden for his own safety.

Tuesday, October 2

— NATO invokes mutual defence clause after US produces “conclusive” evidence Bin Laden is behind the attacks.

Thursday, October 4

— British Prime Minister Tony Blair tells Parliament firm evidence links Bin Laden to at least three of the hijackers.

— Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport reopens.

— Bush says the USA to provide $320 million in aid to alleviate refugee problems in Afghanistan.

— Taliban call ministers to special meeting in Kabul, threaten punishment for anyone supporting ex-king’s return.

Friday, October 5

— Zaeef says Taliban to try Bin Laden in Afghan court if the USA provides solid evidence against him.

— US Defence official says 1,000 US light infantry troops en route to Uzbekistan.

Saturday, October 6

— G-7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank chiefs vow new measures in drive to track down groups that fund terrorism.

— White House rejects Taliban offer to free eight aid workers if the USA halts threats against Afghanistan.

— Mullah Omar orders release of British journalist Ridley.

Sunday, October 7

— Taliban says moving extra 8,000 fighters to border and shoring up defences near Kabul. Reuters