Which statement best explains the purpose of this map? the united states was the target, but the effects of the 9/11 attack were felt worldwide by countries who lost citizens.. the 9/11 attack was actually just one part of a worldwide terror campaign planned by al-qaeda but successfully thwarted. the 9/11 attack in the united states was followed quickly by hijackings and crashes in the largest cities of many countries. the united states sought to ally with 91 countries as a tribute to 9/11 in order to develop and implement counterterrorism.