Timeline: Terror and its aftermath

Tuesday, Sept 11: The World Trade Center in New York is destroyed when two hijacked planes crash into its towers, which blaze then collapse, killing thousands inside. Another plane hits the Pentagon and a fourth crashes in Pennsylvania. United States President George W. Bush pledges to "hunt down" those responsible. Officials say people with possible links to Saudi-born dissident Osama bin Laden are likely perpetrators. American airspace closed. Stocks and US dollar plunge. Most US markets and Wall St institutions close.

Wednesday, Sept 12: Bush says he will make no distinction between the perpetrators of the atrocities and those who harbour them. The FBI detains several suspects at a Boston hotel. Five more are picked up in Florida.

Thursday, Sept 13: US Secretary of State Colin Powell confirms that bin Laden is a suspect. Nato and Russia issue a rare joint statement calling for international efforts to combat global terrorism.

Friday, Sept 14: Bush visits World Trade Center ruins, having declared a national day of remembrance. US Senate approves $US40 billion ($99.28 billion) for counter-terrorism, rescue and recovery, authorises force against perpetrators.

Monday, Sept 17: New York Stock Exchange reopens after longest shutdown since Great Depression. Share prices plummet.

Tuesday, Sept 18: Taleban closes Afghan airspace. Taleban leaders reported to deny having declared a jihad or holy war against America - but warn they will if Afghanistan is invaded.

Friday, Sept 21: Mohammad Zahir Shah, exiled former Afghan king, appeals for emergency assembly to elect head of state, form government.

Monday, Sept 24: Bush says bin Laden and al Qaeda network's assets have been frozen. Other governments later announce similar actions.

Tuesday, Sept 25: Saudi Arabia severs diplomatic relations with Taleban, leaving Pakistan the only state to recognise it.

Thursday, Sept 27: Taleban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar warns Afghans of perils of collaborating with the US to win power. US Air Force authorised to order commercial planes shot down if they threaten American cities. FBI releases names, pictures of 19 suspected hijackers, linking some to bin Laden's network.

Friday, Sept 28: British journalist Yvonne Ridley arrested on suspicion of spying near Afghan border with Pakistan.

Sunday, Sept 30: Taleban ambassador to Pakistan says his movement is hiding bin Laden for his own safety.

Tuesday, Oct 2: Nato invokes mutual defence clause after US produces "conclusive" evidence bin Laden is behind the attacks. Bush administration repeats its refusal to negotiate on surrendering bin Laden, after call for talks by Taleban.

Thursday, Oct 4: British Prime Minister Tony Blair tells Parliament firm evidence links bin Laden to at least three of the hijackers. Bush says United States will provide $US320 million in aid to alleviate refugee problems in Afghanistan.

Friday, Oct 5: Taleban says it will try bin Laden in an Afghan court if US provides solid evidence against him. American defence official says 1000 US light infantry troops en route to Uzbekistan.

Saturday, Oct 6: White House rejects Taleban offer to free eight aid workers if United States halts threats against Afghanistan. Taleban orders release of British journalist Ridley.

Sunday, Oct 7: Taleban says it is moving an extra 8000 fighters to border and shoring up defences near Kabul. Eyewitnesses see big flashes in skies north of Kabul. Bush says later that US military has begun attacks against the Taleban and al Qaeda.