On October 12, 2000, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Cole was attacked by suicide bombers while refueling in the port of Aden, Yemen. A small boat loaded with explosives detonated alongside the ship, tearing a large hole in its hull. Seventeen American sailors were killed and dozens were injured. The attack was linked to al-Qaeda and highlighted ongoing threats to U.S. forces overseas. Investigations led to changes in naval security and rules for port visits. The bombing is often cited as a warning sign of the growing danger from transnational terrorist networks before September 11, 2001.
