Draft:Attacks on the United States (2000–present)
_-_B6019~11.jpg)
The United States has been attacked several times throughout its history as a country, especially during the 21st century, including attacks on U.S. states and territories, embassies and consulates, or the military of the United States. Attacks against the United States include military offensives, raids, artillery and airstrikes, and terrorism bombings and shootings. The most recent enemy attack against the United States was by the Yemen-based Houthis between December 9–10, 2024 in the Gulf of Aden. However, the most recent attack against the United States was an accidental friendly fire missile attack on December 22, 2024.
2000–2009
[edit]USS Cole bombing (October 2000)
[edit]_Departs.jpg)
Part of the al-Qaeda insurgency in Yemen – On October 12, 2000, while refueling at Yemen's Aden harbor, two members of al-Qaeda launched a suicide attack against the USS Cole, a guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy. While docked, a small fiberglass boat carrying C-4 explosives and two suicide bombers approached the port side of the destroyer and exploded,[1] creating a 40-by-60-foot (12 by 18 m) gash in the ship's port side, killing 17 sailors and injuring 37 others.[2][3][4] On March 14, 2007, a federal judge in the United States, Robert G. Doumar, ruled that the Sudanese government was liable for the bombing.[5] In March 2015, U.S. federal judge Rudolph Contreras found both Iran and Sudan complicit in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole by al Qaeda, stating that "Iran was directly involved in establishing Al-Qaeda's Yemen network and supported training and logistics for Al-Qaeda in the Gulf region" through Hezbollah. Two previous federal judges had ruled that Sudan was liable for its role in the attack, but Contreras's "ruling is the first to find Iran partly responsible for the incident."[6]
September 11 attacks (September 2001)
[edit]
On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen Islamic extremists hijacked four aircraft, murdered several passengers, and took control of the aircraft with intent to fly them into pre-selected targets, located at the World Trade Center in New York City, and The Pentagon in Virginia. American Airlines Flight 11 was flown into 1 World Trade Center; the building immediately caught on fire and collapsed as a result over an hour later, resulting in the deaths of up to 1,000 people. United Airlines Flight 175 was flown into 2 World Trade Center a short time later, killing everyone on board and hundreds more within the building. American Airlines Flight 77 struck The Pentagon, killing everyone in the plane and 125 people within the building. Passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 fought the hijackers, who ran the aircraft into the ground, killing everyone on board. The attacks are the deadliest instances of terrorism in modern world history.[7][8]
War in Afghanistan (October 2001–August 2021)
[edit]| Date(s) | Location | Type of attack | Details | U.S. Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 29, 2006 | Helmand province, Afghanistan | Attack | Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) – | 1 |
| February 27, 2007 | Bagram, Afghanistan | Suicide attack, assassination attempt | Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) –[9] | 2 |
| March 4, 2007 | Shinwar District, Afghanistan | Suicide attack | Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) – | 0 |
| July 13, 2008 | Waygal district, Afghanistan | Attack | Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) – | 9 |
| September 25, 2011 | Kabul, Afghanistan | Attack | An Afghan employee opened fire inside an Embassy Annex compound, killing one American and wounding three others before being shot and killed.[citation needed] | 1 |
| June 25, 2013 | Kabul, Afghanistan | Attack | Suicide insurgents initiated a failed assault on the embassy, engaging Afghan security forces and Local Guard Force personnel in a firefight. All perpetrators were killed.[citation needed] | 0 |
| September 13, 2013 | Herat, Afghanistan | Attack | 0 | |
| June 9, 2014 | Zabul Province, Afghanistan | Friendly fire | Part of the War in Afghanistan – | 5 |
| August 26, 2021 | Kabul, Afghanistan | Suicide attack, Terrorism | Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) – | 13 |
Attack on American cultural centre in Kolkata (January 2002)
[edit]On January 22, 2002, armed militants carried out an attack on the American Center in Kolkata, India. The attackers, riding motorcycles, opened fire on the facility’s security personnel using automatic weapons, killing five police officers and injuring at least 20 others. The attack occurred during the early morning hours, targeting the heavily guarded entrance.[10]
The assailants were linked to Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, an Islamist extremist group operating in South Asia.[10] Authorities identified Aftab Ansari, an Indian gangster with ties to Pakistani and Bangladeshi terror networks, as the mastermind behind the attack. Ansari was later captured in Dubai and extradited to India, where he and others involved faced prosecution.[citation needed]
Attacks on the Consulate in Karachi (June 2002–March 2006)
[edit]Consulate in Denpasar bombing (October 2002)
[edit]Embassy in Tashkent bombing (June 2004)
[edit]On June 30, 2004, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan bombs embassy.
Attack on the diplomatic compound in Jeddah (December 2004)
[edit]On December 6, 2004, al-Qaeda gunmen raid diplomatic compound.[11]
Attack on the Embassy in Damascus (September 2006)
[edit]On September 12, 2006, gunmen raid embassy.
Embassy in Athens bombing (January 2007)
[edit]On January 12, 2007, RPG fired at embassy by Revolutionary Struggle.
Embassy in Casablanca bombing (April 2007)
[edit]On April 14, 2007, two suicide bombers detonated their explosive devices across the street from the consulate general and in front of the Consulate General's public diplomacy facility and language center. Only the bombers were killed.
Attack on the embassy in Belgrade (February 2008)
[edit]Attacks on the embassy in Sana'a (March 2008 - January 2009)
[edit]| Date(s) | Location | Type of attack | Details | U.S. Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 18, 2008 | Sana'a, Yemen | Bombing | Mortar rounds missed embassy, hitting nearby school.[citation needed] | 0 |
| September 17, 2008 | Sana'a, Yemen | Attack | 1 |
Attack on the consulate in Istanbul (July 2008)
[edit]On July 9, 2008, a coordinated terrorist attack targeted the U.S. consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Three gunmen armed with automatic weapons and a vehicle approached the consulate’s entrance, opening fire at Turkish security personnel stationed outside. A prolonged firefight ensued, leading to the deaths of three Turkish police officers and all three attackers. The gunmen were later identified as members of an Al-Qaeda-linked network, motivated by extremist ideology and seeking to target U.S. diplomatic interests.[12] Turkish authorities arrested multiple individuals believed to be associated with the planning and support of the attack.[13]
Attack on the embassy in Managua (October 2009)
[edit]On October 30, 2009, Several hundred supporters from the Sandinista National Liberation Front protesting "U.S. interventionism" swarm the embassy compound, attacking personnel and vandalizing property for four hours.
2010–2019
[edit]Attacks on the consulate in Peshawar (April 2010)
[edit]On April 5, 2010, multiple coordinated attacks struck the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in Pakistan, resulting in significant casualties. The first incident occurred when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden vehicle at the U.S. consulate in Peshawar, killing four Pakistani security personnel and injuring over a dozen. The assault involved gunfire and rocket attacks, attributed to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an Islamist militant group aiming to target foreign interests.[14]
Simultaneously, another suicide bombing targeted a political rally in Timergara, in the Lower Dir District. The explosion killed at least 45 people and injured over 80. The rally was organized by the Awami National Party (ANP), a secular political group opposing the Taliban’s influence in the region.[14]
Attack on the embassy in Sarajevo (October 2011)
[edit]On October 28, 2011, a Wahhabi Islamist gunman, fired on the embassy, resulting in one local policeman guarding the embassy being wounded in the arm by the gunman, while the shooter was wounded by a police sniper.
Benghazi attack (September 2012)
[edit]On September 11, 2012, heavily armed militants attacked the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, and a nearby CIA annex. The assault unfolded in two waves, beginning with a coordinated assault on the mission, resulting in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Information Management Officer Sean Smith. Hours later, the attackers targeted the CIA annex, leading to the deaths of two security contractors, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. The attackers were linked to Islamist militant groups, possibly including Ansar al-Sharia.[citation needed]
The incident sparked significant controversy in the U.S. over the adequacy of security measures, the response of the U.S. government, and the initial public statements made about the attack's cause. It also led to multiple congressional investigations and the capture of a suspect, Ahmed Abu Khattala, who was later convicted in U.S. federal court for his role in the attack.[citation needed]
Reactions to Innocence of Muslims (September 2012)
[edit]Embassy in Ankara bombing (February 2013)
[edit]On February 1, 2013, a suicide bombing targeted the U.S. embassy in Ankara, Turkey.[15] The attacker, Ecevit Şanlı, a member of the far-left Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), detonated explosives at the embassy's security checkpoint. The blast killed a Turkish security guard, Mustafa Akarsu, and injured three others, including a Turkish journalist.[citation needed]
The attack was attributed to the DHKP-C, known for its opposition to U.S. and NATO influence in Turkey and its history of violent acts. Şanlı, the bomber, was identified as a former convict with a history of involvement in leftist militancy. The group later claimed responsibility, describing the attack as retaliation against U.S. policies in the Middle East and its perceived role in global imperialism.[citation needed]
Operation Inherent Resolve (June 2015–present)
[edit]Embassy in Tashkent bombing (September 2015)
[edit]On September 28, 2015, an unidentified man threw two Molotov cocktails or similar improvised explosives on the grounds of the embassy with one of them detonating. Shortly thereafter, the embassy went into lockdown with security presence increasing after it reopened. No one was injured in the attack.[16][17]
Embassy in Podgorica bombing (February 2018)
[edit]On February 21, 2018, a pro-Russian and Serbian-born assailant threw a hand grenade over the wall of the embassy. Reporting indicated the grenade appeared to detonate as it was thrown into the air, and the man detonated a second device that killed him. The man's body was found 100 feet (30 m) from the embassy wall.[citation needed]
Embassy in Beijing bombing (July 2018)
[edit]On July 26, 2018, an unidentified 26-year-old man set off explosive device outside the embassy.[18]
Consulate in Guadalajara bombing (December 2018)
[edit]On December 1, 2018, an unidentified assailant threw a grenade at the consulate.[19]
2020–present
[edit]Attack on the embassy in Yangon (March 2021)
[edit]On March 27, 2021, a shooting occurred at the United States Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar.[20][21]
Embassy in Madrid bombing (December 2022)
[edit]On December 1, 2022.[22]
Anambra ambush (May 2023)
[edit]Middle Eastern crisis (October 2023–present)
[edit]| Date(s) | Location | Type of attack | Details | U.S. Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 17, 2023 | Al-Asad Airbase, Al Anbar Governorate, Iraq | Drone strike |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – Iraqi militants launched a drone strike on the American al-Asad Airbase in northern Iraq.[23][24] The airstrike was intercepted.[25] The next day, a false alarm in the airbase caused the death of a civilian contractor from cardiac arrest.[26] |
0 |
| October 18, 2023 | Al-Tanf, Homs Governorate, Syria | Drone strike |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – A drone strike by an Iranian proxy on the American al-Tanf garrison resulted in over 20 injuries.[27] |
0 |
| November 1, 2023 | Al-Tanf, Homs Governorate, Syria | Drone strike |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – A minor drone strike was reported at the American al-Tanf garrison.[28] |
0 |
| November 20, 2023 | Al-Asad Airbase, Al Anbar Governorate, Iraq | Ballistic missile strike |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – Eight American and coalition soldiers were injured from a ballistic missile attack, and there was minor infrastructural damage after the Al-Asad Airbase was attacked by a ballistic missile.[29] |
0 |
| December 8, 2023 | Baghdad, Iraq | Artillery strikes | Approximately seven mortar rounds landed in the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad[30] | 0 |
| December 23, 2023 | Southern Red Sea | Airstrike |
Part of the Red Sea crisis – |
0 |
| January 10, 2024 | Southern Red Sea | Airstrikes |
Part of the Red Sea crisis – |
0 |
| January 20, 2024 | Al-Asad Airbase, Al Anbar Governorate, Iraq | Missile strikes |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for striking the American Al-Asad Airbase with dozens of missiles which injured several US military personnel and an Iraqi service member.[31][32] At 6:30 p.m. Baghdad time, the IRI launched multiple ballistic missiles and other rockets at the Al-Asad Airbase. The United States military attempted to defend the base with Patriot missiles. More than 15 MIM-104 Patriot missiles were launched to defend the base.[33] |
0 |
| January 28, 2024 | Rukban, Jordan | Drone strike |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict –[34] |
3 |
| August 5, 2024 | Al-Asad Airbase, Al Anbar Governorate, Iraq | Missile strikes |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – A missile attack targeted the American Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq, resulting in injuries to at least five US servicemembers and two contractors.[35] The attack involved the firing of two Katyusha rockets, which landed inside the base.[36] One of the injured servicemembers sustained serious injuries.[37] The incident is seen as a potential escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.[38] |
2 |
| August 9, 2024 | Rumalyn Landing Zone, Syria | Drone strike |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – A kamikaze drone struck the U.S. military base Rumalyn Landing Zone in eastern Syria, injuring eight U.S. soldiers.[39][40] |
0 |
| August 13, 2024 | Mission Support Site Conoco, Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria | Missile strikes |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – Six rockets targeted an American airbase in Deir ez-Zor Governorate fell near the facility. As a response to the strike, US-led coalition launched artillery strikes.[41] |
0 |
| September 10, 2024 | Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq | Missile strikes |
Part of the Iran–Israel proxy conflict – Two rockets exploded in the vicinity of American personnel stationed in Camp Victory, near Baghdad International Airport. No casualties were reported. Jaafar al-Husseini, the spokesperson of Kata'ib Hezbollah, said that the attack aimed to disrupt Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Baghdad, which was scheduled the following day.[42][43] |
0 |
| December 1, 2024 | Gulf of Aden | Missile and Drone strikes |
Part of the Red Sea crisis – Between November 30–December 1, 2024, the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane, were escorting three American owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels across the Gulf of Aden. During the voyage, the Yemen-based Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missile, three one-way attack drones, and one anti-ship cruise missile towards the five American ships. The two destroyers engaged and shot down all seven projectiles, resulting in no damage to any of the ships. The Houthis released a statement saying they were targetting "three supply ships belonging to the American army in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden".[44] |
0 |
| December 9–10 | Gulf of Aden | Missile and Drone strikes |
Part of the Red Sea crisis – Between December 9–10, 2024, the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane, were escorting three American owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels across the Gulf of Aden. During the voyage, the Yemen-based Houthis launched multiple one-way attack drones and one anti-ship cruise missile towards the five American ships. The two destroyers engaged and shot down all projectiles, resulting in no damage to any of the ships.[45] |
0 |
| December 22 | Red Sea | Missile / Friendly fire | Part of the Red Sea crisis On December 22, the U.S. Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg shot down a U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet in an accidental friendly fire attack.[46] | 0 |
References
[edit]- ^ Combs, Cindy C.; Slann, Martin W. (2009). Encyclopedia of Terrorism. Infobase Publishing. p. 353. ISBN 9781438110196.
- ^ Ward, Alex (November 8, 2018). "Trump's Justice Department is fighting US terrorist attack victims in the Supreme Court". Vox.
- ^ "USS Cole (DDG-67) Determined Warrior". Naval History & Heritage Command. Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ Burns, John F. (October 15, 2000). "THE WARSHIP EXPLOSION; The 17 Victims From the Cole". The New York Times. 150 (51, 412): 18. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ NBC News (March 14, 2007). "Federal judge rules Sudan responsible for USS Cole bombing in 2000". NBC News. Retrieved March 14, 2007.
- ^ Hsu, Spencer S. (March 31, 2015). "Judge orders Sudan, Iran to pay $75 million to family of USS Cole victim". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
- ^ Byman, Daniel (June 15, 2005). "Strategic Surprise and The September 11 Attacks". Annual Review of Political Science. 8 (1). Annual Reviews: 145–170. doi:10.1146/annurev.polisci.8.082103.104927. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ Huddy, Leonie; Khatib, Nadia; Capelos, Theresa (2002). "Trends: Reactions to the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001". Public Opinion Quarterly. 66 (3). Oxford University Press: 418–450. doi:10.1086/341395. JSTOR 3078770. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ "Cheney OK After Afghan Blast; 23 Killed". The Denver Post. AP. February 27, 2007.
- ^ a b "Gunmen kill five in attack on American offices". The Telegraph. January 23, 2002. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
- ^ Sturcke, James (December 7, 2004). "Nine killed as US consulate in Jeddah attacked". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
- ^ "Six Killed in Gunfight Outside US Consulate in Istanbul – DW – 07/09/2008". dw.com. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ "NBC News - Breaking News & Top Stories - Latest World, US & Local News". NBC News. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ a b "DAWN.COM | Metropolitan | Militants attack US consulate, ANP rally; 51 killed". www.dawn.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
- ^ "Bomber attacks US embassy in Ankara, Turkey". BBC News. February 1, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
- ^ "Attack On U.S. Embassy In Tashkent". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. September 29, 2015. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ "Incendiary Device Thrown at U.S. Embassy in Tashkent". U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan. September 28, 2015. Archived from the original on December 31, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ Buckley, Chris (July 26, 2018). "U.S. Embassy Street in Beijing Is Rocked by Blast". The New York Times. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
- ^ O'Boyle, Michael (December 1, 2018). "U.S. consulate in Mexico attacked with grenade, no injuries". Reuters. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
- ^ "Shots Fired at American Center in Myanmar, U.S. Embassy Reports". Newsweek. March 27, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
- ^ "Myanmar coup: Dozens killed as army opens fire on protesters during deadliest day". BBC. March 27, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
- ^ "Spate of letter bombs in Spain targets embassies, high-profile officials". Reuters.
- ^ Sewell, Abby; Copp, Tara; Abdul-Zahra, Qassim (October 18, 2023). "Drone attack on base hosting US troops intercepted in Iraq, heightening fears of a broader conflict". Beirut, Lebanon: AP News. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ "Drone attack on US forces intercepted in Iraq – report". The Jerusalem Post. October 18, 2023. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ Stewart, Phil; Ismail, Amina; Rasheed, Ahmed (October 18, 2023). "US says it thwarted drone attacks on troops in Iraq". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ Ali, Idrees (October 20, 2023). "US troops attacked in Iraq, Syria and on alert for more strikes". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
- ^ "Drone attacks on American bases injured two dozen U.S. military personnel". NBC. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
- ^ "Drone attack on coalition base in Syria results in minor injury to service member from US partner force". CNN. November 1, 2023. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
- ^ "Several U.S. service members injured in missile attack at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, Pentagon says". CBS News. November 22, 2023. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ "US embassy in Baghdad struck with seven mortars as attacks escalate". Reuters. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
- ^ "US troops injured in major missile attack in Iraq". Yahoo! News. January 20, 2024.
- ^ "US personnel injured in missile attack on Iraq base". BBC News. January 21, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ Tomlinson, Lucas (January 20, 2024). "Over 15 U.S. Patriot surface-to-air missiles fired from al-Asad air base in Iraq to intercept incoming Iranian missiles" (Post on 𝕏). 𝕏 (Formerly Twitter). Fox News. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
- ^ Miller, Zeke; Baldor, Lolita C.; Madhani, Aamer (January 30, 2024). "Enemy drone that killed US troops in Jordan was mistaken for a US drone, preliminary report suggests". AP News. Washington, D.C.: Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 2, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ "Two US troops killed in attack on Ain al-Asad military base". Mehr News Agency. August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ "Tow US personnel injured in attack on Ain al-Assad Airbase, Iraq". Big News Network.com. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ "Explosions rock Ain Al-Asad base in Iraq". Al Bawaba. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ "Americans injured in attack on U.S. base in Iraq". NBC News. August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ Martinez, Luis (August 10, 2024). "Drone attack on US base in Syria, no injuries reported". ABC News. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Stewart, Phil (August 11, 2024). "Exclusive: Several US, coalition personnel suffer minor injuries in Syria attack, US official says". Reuters.
- ^ "Projectiles did not impact US base in Syria, US officials say". Rueters. August 14, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
- ^ "Explosion reported at US military facility near Baghdad airport ahead of Iranian president's visit". AP News. September 10, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
- ^ "U.S diplomatic facility attacked in Baghdad, no casualties, embassy says". Reuters. September 11, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
- ^ "US Navy destroys Houthi missiles and drones targeting American ships in Gulf of Aden". Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Associated Press. December 1, 2024. Archived from the original on December 2, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ United States Central Command (December 10, 2024). "CENTCOM Forces Defeat Houthi Attacks on U.S. Navy and U.S.-Flagged Ships in the Gulf of Aden" (Press release). United States Department of Defense. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
- ^ "Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, US military says". Associated Press. Retrieved December 22, 2024.