How was the USS Cole attacked?

The USS Cole was attacked by suicide terrorists using explosives from a small boat laden with high-explosive materials. This method involved a small, inflatable boat that approached the USS Cole while it was refueling in the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000. The attackers detonated the explosives, resulting in a massive explosion that caused significant damage to the ship, killed 17 sailors, and injured many others.

This type of attack exemplifies asymmetric warfare, where relatively small and agile tactics by non-state actors can inflict substantial damage on larger military vessels. The tactics used in the attack on USS Cole raised concerns about maritime security and led to changes in naval operations to better protect against similar threats in the future. Understanding the nature of this attack highlights the dangers posed by small boats in proximity to larger military assets and the continuing evolution of terrorist tactics.