Terror Strikes Again
Attacks on U.S. embassies prompt new fears--and a vow of retribution
Embassy bombings in Africa A coordinated terrorist bombing occurred at midmorning on August 7 at the United States embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The embassy in Nairobi is located at a busy downtown intersection, while the Dar es Salaam embassy is about 2 1/2 miles from the city center. Both were badly damaged. [Map is not available.]
Nairobi 1. a bomb-laden van explodes in the Ufundi House parking lot behind the U.S. Embassy. 2. The five-story Ufundi building, home to several small businesses and secretarial college, is leveled. 3. The entire back side of the five-story U.S. Embassy is destroyed. Eyewitnesses report gunfire outside before the blast. 4. The 25-story Cooperative Bank, also adjacent to the Ufundi building, is severely damaged.
Casualties: Scores dead (at least eight Americans); more than 1,600 wounded
Central Nairobi. The impact of the explosion is felt throughout the surrounding area. Windows shatter up to 10 blocks away.
Dar es Salaam 1. A car bomb explodes within the walls of the U.S. Embassy compound, according to State Department officials. 2. Several Tanzanian guards and embassy employees are killed in the blast. Nearly two thirds of the three-story embassy is destroyed.
Casualties: At least half a dozen dead (no Americans); scores wounded
In harm's way: recent attacks Americans and U.S. institutions have long been favorite targets for terrorists. Some notable attacks in the past 15 years:
Lebanon, June 1998. Rocket-propelled grenades explode near the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. No injuries.
Saudi Arabia, June 1996. A truck bomb kills 19 U.S. troops living at a base near Dhahran.
Scotland, December 1988. A terrorist bomb destroys a Pan Am 747 over Lockerbie, killing 259 on board and 11 on the ground.
Greece, April 1986. Four people are killed in an explosion aboard a TWA passenger jet approaching Athens.
Germany, April 1986. A blast in a West Berlin disco kills two and injures 150.
Rome and Vienna, December 1985. Airport attacks at U.S. and Israeli airport check-in desks kill 16.
Mediterranean Sea, October 1985. Terrorists aboard the Achille Lauro cruise ship kill an American and toss his body overboard.
Germany, August 1985. A car bomb at an American base in Frankfurt kills two and injures 20.
El Salvador, June 1985. A machine gun attack at a cafe kills 13, including six Americans.
Spain, April 1985. An explosion at a restaurant near an American air base in Madrid kills 18 Spaniards.
Lebanon, October 1983. A car bomb kills 241 U.S. troops at the Beirut airport.
Lebanon, April 1983. A bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut kills 63.
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