Number: RS20721
Title: TERRORIST ATTACK ON USS COLE: BACKGROUND AND ISSUES FOR CONGRESS
Authors: Raphael Perl and O'Rourke, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: An FBI-led investigation was launched to determine culpability for the October 12, 2000 terrorist attack on the U.S. Navy destroyer Cole in Aden, Yemen. The Defense Department and the Navy initiated additional inquiries. The House and Senate Armed Services Committee held initial hearings on the incident in late October. The attack raises potential issues for Congress concerning (1) procedures used by the Cole and other U.S. forces overseas to protect against terrorist attacks; (2) intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination as it relates to potential terrorist attacks; and (3) U.S. anti-terrorism policy and how should the United States respond if and when perpetrators are discovered.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated January 30, 2001