Truck Bombing of U.S. Embassies
---------------------------------------
Fatalities: 303; Injuries: 4,954
Prior to 9/11, acts of terror against the U.S. centered largely on targets on foreign soil. Such was the case with the 1998 bombings of the U. S. Embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Truck bombs, carrying up to 17 tons of high explosives, were detonated within minutes of each other at the site of each embassy. While the intended targets were American property and personnel, the vast majority of the casualties were indigenous civilians. Twelve Americans were killed, and both embassies were heavily damaged. So-called collateral damage was widespread in the neighborhoods adjacent to the embassies, and several thousands of civilians were injured or killed.
The attack was linked to an extremist group call The Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ). The group claimed it was retaliating for American involvement concerning the torture and extradition of four members of the EIJ. Both Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri came to American attention as a result of the attack.
Mid-Air Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103
-------------------------------------------
Fatalities: 270; Injuries 12
Planes are a prime target for terrorist. This fact was made shockingly clear on December 21, 1988, when Pan Am Flight 103 from Heathrow to JFK exploded in mid-air over the town of Lockerbie, Scotland. The destruction of the plane was complete; all passengers and crew were killed. Additionally, falling debris from the explosion struck homes in Lockerbee and caused injuries to a number of residents. A number of extremist groups claimed responsibility, and investigators quickly determined that a bomb did indeed cause the explosion. It was believed that the attack was in response to the shooting down of Iran flight 655 in July of that year.
As the investigation continued, officials came to believe that the attack was sanctioned by the Libyan government. A Libyan national, Abdul-Basit al Megrahi, was eventually apprehended, charged and found guilty in connection with the attack. In 2003, Libya admitted responsibility for the attack (but still displayed no guilt).
-------------------------------------------
Fatalities: 270; Injuries 12
Planes are a prime target for terrorist. This fact was made shockingly clear on December 21, 1988, when Pan Am Flight 103 from Heathrow to JFK exploded in mid-air over the town of Lockerbie, Scotland. The destruction of the plane was complete; all passengers and crew were killed. Additionally, falling debris from the explosion struck homes in Lockerbee and caused injuries to a number of residents. A number of extremist groups claimed responsibility, and investigators quickly determined that a bomb did indeed cause the explosion. It was believed that the attack was in response to the shooting down of Iran flight 655 in July of that year.
As the investigation continued, officials came to believe that the attack was sanctioned by the Libyan government. A Libyan national, Abdul-Basit al Megrahi, was eventually apprehended, charged and found guilty in connection with the attack. In 2003, Libya admitted responsibility for the attack (but still displayed no guilt).
No comments:
Post a Comment