• Source: Attacks on the United States

      • The United States of America has been attacked several times throughout its history as a country. This is a list of attacks, in chronological order, 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 attack against the United States was by the Yemen-based Houthis between December 9–10, 2024 in the Gulf of Aden.


      1776–1899




      = American Revolutionary War (July 1776–September 1783)

      =

      Following the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which formally formed the United States of America, Patriot forces organized as the Continental Army and commanded by George Washington fought against and defeated the British Army. Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally ended the war, Great Britain ceded all mainland territories east of the Mississippi River, south of the Great Lakes, and north of the Floridas to the United States and recognized the independence of the United States. Until the end of the war, the United States had no internationally recognized territory and was considered part of the First British Empire.


      = Quasi-War (July 1798–September 1800)

      =

      An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France, arising from French resentment of the Jay Treaty between Great Britain and the United States, during the French Revolutionary Wars. French privateers and naval vessels targeted American shipping in the Caribbean and Atlantic, capturing hundreds of merchant vessels and disrupting trade. On February 9, 1799, the French frigate L'Insurgente fought against the United States' frigate USS Constellation. The Convention of 1800 ended the undeclared war between France and the United States.


      = War of 1812 (June 1812–1815)

      =

      The Chesapeake campaign during the War of 1812 was a military naval and land offensive by the British along the East Coast of the United States. In April 1813, British forces launched raids on the Rappahannock River, capturing or destroying American merchant and military vessels. A month later, in May, they attacked Havre de Grace, burning much of the town and terrorizing its residents. The campaign saw a key defensive victory for the Americans at the Battle of Craney Island in June 1813, where American forces repelled a British assault aimed at capturing Norfolk, Virginia and its naval yard. However, the British retaliated with raids of Hampton, Virginia, marked by brutal conduct against civilians. In July 1813, British forces disrupted American shipping off the coast of North Carolina by capturing the town of Ocracoke and nearby Portsmouth.
      In August 1814, the British escalated their campaign, targeting key political and military sites. After routing American forces at the battle of Bladensburg, where unprepared militia scattered under fire, the British marched into Washington, D.C., and carried out the Burning of Washington, torching the Capitol, White House, and other federal buildings. They then turned their attention to Baltimore but were checked at the battle of Baltimore, particularly at Fort McHenry, where American defenders famously withstood a relentless bombardment and where Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner". The campaign culminated in the raid of Alexandria, where the British plundered the city without resistance.


      = Mexican–American War (April 1846–June 1848)

      =


      Texas Campaign



      Following the United States' annexation of Texas in 1845, the Mexican government claimed they still owned the portion of Texas between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande. On April 25, 1846, approximately 1,600 Mexican soldiers, under the command of General Mariano Arista, crossed the border into the United States and began an invasion, with the goal to hold and occupy the territory claimed by Mexico. American Captain Seth B. Thornton was sent to investigate a report of Mexican soldiers crossing the border, which led him and his 80 men into an ambush. With the Mexican forces still occupying part of Texas, American General Zachary Taylor took the Army of Occupation to fight the now reinforced Mexican Army of The North. Between May 3–9, the Mexican forces attempted to siege to the American "Fort Texas". Following the Mexican defeats during the Battle of Palo Alto on May 8 and the battle of Resaca de la Palma on May 9, the Mexican forces withdrew from American territory, ending the brief invasion. In total, 60 Americans died during the Texas Campaign.


      United States occupation of Mexico City



      Following the fall of Mexico City in September 1847, the United States began a military occupation of the city and surrounding area. During the eight-month occupation under John A. Quitman, the named Military Governor of Mexico City, several attacks by Mexican resistance took place against the occupation forces, especially in the first three days which involved "intense and bloody street fighting". In total, 4,356 Americans died as a result of the occupation of Mexico City.


      = American Civil War (October 1859–May 1865)

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      Following the secession of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, the Confederate States of America was formed on February 8, 1861. The Confederate States of America was an unrecognized de facto breakaway country from the United States, primarily due to no European power desiring to get involved in the conflict.


      John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry



      John Brown, a radical abolitionist, sought to ignite a slave uprising by seizing the federal armory and arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). With a small force of 21 men, including five African Americans, Brown aimed to distribute the captured weapons to enslaved people in the region, sparking a broader rebellion against slavery. On the night of October 16, 1859, Brown and his men easily captured the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry and briefly held hostages, including prominent local citizens. However, the town's residents and local militia quickly mobilized, surrounding the raiders and cutting off their escape. The situation escalated when a company of U.S. Marines, under the command of then-Colonel Robert E. Lee, stormed the armory on October 18, killing most of Brown's men and capturing him alive. The raid failed to achieve its immediate objectives, as no large-scale slave rebellion materialized and Brown was later executed for treason.


      Battle of Fort Sumter



      On the morning of April 12, Confederate forces under General P. G. T. Beauregard opened fire on the United States' Fort Sumter, South Carolina, after the Union commanding officer Major Robert Anderson refused to surrender. For 34 hours, Confederate artillery bombarded the fort, while Union forces, outgunned and outmatched, offered only limited resistance. On April 13, with supplies dwindling and the fort heavily damaged, Anderson agreed to surrender. Remarkably, there were no fatalities during the bombardment, though one Union soldier was killed during a ceremonial cannon salute after the surrender. The Battle of Fort Sumter is regarding as the formal start of the American Civil War.


      New Mexico campaign



      In February 1862, Confederate forces under General Henry Hopkins Sibley advanced into the New Mexico Territory, aiming to capture key areas and push into Colorado and California. The campaign began with the battle of Valverde on February 21, where Confederate troops defeated Union forces near Fort Craig but failed to capture the fort, leaving a Union stronghold in their rear. Sibley’s forces continued north, seizing Albuquerque and Santa Fe with little resistance. The turning point came at the Battle of Glorieta Pass between March 26–28, where Union troops destroyed the Confederate supply train in a flanking attack, crippling Sibley’s campaign. Forced to retreat, the Confederates faced further harassment during the skirmishes at Albuquerque on April 8 and at Peralta on April 15. These setbacks, combined with severe logistical challenges, forced the Confederates to abandon their ambitions in the Southwest. The campaign’s failure secured Union control of the New Mexico Territory and Confederate Arizona for the remainder of the Civil War and marked the end of Confederate expansion westward.


      Jackson's Valley campaign



      The Confederate operation in the Shenandoah Valley between March–June 1862 was led by General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. The campaign began with the First Battle of Kernstown on March 23, where Jackson suffered a tactical defeat but succeeded in alarming Union leaders, prompting them to reinforce their forces in the region. In May, Jackson struck back at the Battle of McDowell on May 8, defeating Union General Robert H. Milroy and securing the western approaches to the Valley. Jackson's rapid movements continued with the Battle of Front Royal on May 23, where his forces overwhelmed a smaller Union garrison, forcing General Nathaniel P. Banks to retreat to Winchester, Virginia. At the First Battle of Winchester on May 25, Jackson routed Banks, capturing supplies and driving Union forces out of the Valley. In June, Union generals John C. Frémont and Erastus B. Tyler attempted to trap Jackson, but he skillfully divided his forces, defeating Fremont at the Battle of Cross Keys on June 8 and Tyler at the Battle of Port Republic on June 9. These victories secured Confederate control of the Shenandoah Valley and forced Union commanders to withdraw their forces.


      Seven Days Battles



      The Seven Days Battles were a series of engagements in which Confederate General Robert E. Lee drove Union General George B. McClellan's Army of the Potomac away from Richmond, Virginia, ending the Union's Peninsula Campaign. McClellan's forces had advanced to the outskirts of Richmond, threatening the Confederate capital, but Lee launched aggressive counteroffensives to turn the tide. The campaign began with the Battle of Oak Grove on June 25, a minor Union attack that failed to gain ground, followed by Lee's first major assault at the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek on June 26, which resulted in heavy Confederate losses but forced McClellan to reconsider his position. Lee’s strategy unfolded in the battle of Gaines' Mill (also known as the battle of Chickahominy River) on June 27, where a coordinated Confederate assault broke the Union right flank, compelling McClellan to retreat southward. Over the next several days, Lee pursued the Union army, engaging in the Battle of Savage's Station on June 29 and the battles at Glendale and at White Oak Swamp on June 30, where fierce fighting prevented Lee from cutting off McClellan's retreat. The campaign culminated in the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, where Union forces repelled repeated Confederate attacks with devastating artillery fire. Despite the Union victory at Malvern Hill, McClellan continued his retreat to the James River, effectively abandoning the campaign.


      Northern Virginia campaign



      The Northern Virginia campaign in August 1862, was a major Confederate offensive led by General Robert E. Lee aimed at driving Union forces under General John Pope away from central and northern Virginia. The campaign started with the Battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9, where Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson defeated Union forces under General Nathaniel P. Banks, forcing Pope to consolidate his army near the Rappahannock River. For several days, both armies skirmished at the First Battle of Rappahannock Station (August 22–25), with no decisive outcome, as Lee maneuvered to flank Pope's army. Jackson executed a daring raid in the Battle of Manassas Station Operations (August 25–27), capturing Union supply depots at Manassas Junction, crippling Pope’s logistics. Meanwhile, Lee’s other corps under General James Longstreet forced its way through the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap on August 28, allowing the Confederate army to reunite. This set the stage for the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) between August 28–30, where Jackson's forces held a strong defensive line while Longstreet launched a massive counterattack, crushing Pope’s army and forcing a Union retreat toward Washington, D.C.. As the Union army fell back, Lee pursued aggressively. The campaign concluded with the Battle of Chantilly on September 1, where Union forces under generals Philip Kearny and Isaac Stevens fought a desperate rearguard action but were ultimately forced to withdraw after both commanders were killed.


      Confederate Heartland Offensive



      The Confederate Heartland Offensive between April–October 1862, was a major Confederate campaign aimed at securing Kentucky and expanding Confederate control into the Union's heartland. The offensive began with the Great Locomotive Chase on April 12, a daring Union raid to disrupt Confederate railroads in Georgia that failed. Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry launched raids throughout Kentucky, including a victory at the Battle of Lebanon on May 5. General Braxton Bragg led another Confederate army into Tennessee, seizing the strategic Cumberland Gap and occupying the city of Chattanooga without a significant fight in early June. In August 1862, Confederate forces under General Edmund Kirby Smith advanced into eastern Kentucky, defeating Union troops at the Battle of Richmond (August 29–30), inflicting one of the Union’s most lopsided defeats. Bragg advanced into central Kentucky, capturing Munfordville (September 14–17) after a strong Union defense, while Morgan's cavalry disrupted Union communications at Riggins Hill. At the Battle of Perryville on October 8, Bragg's forces clashed with Union General Don Carlos Buell's army. Though Bragg tactically won part of the field, he failed to achieve a decisive victory and retreated from Kentucky, abandoning hopes of securing the state. Meanwhile, Confederate forces launched a symbolic raid on Cincinnati in Ohio.


      Maryland campaign



      The Maryland campaign in September 1862 was Confederate General Robert E. Lee's first major invasion of the Union. The campaign began with a Confederate victory at the Battle of Mile Hill on September 2, where Confederate cavalry under Colonel Thomas T. Munford drove back Union forces near Leesburg, Virginia. As Lee’s army moved into Maryland, he divided his forces, sending General "Stonewall" Jackson to capture the critical federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. After a three-day siege which ended on September 15, Jackson forced the surrender of over 12,000 Union troops, securing Lee's supply lines.
      Meanwhile, Union General George B. McClellan pursued Lee, fighting with Confederate defenders at Crampton's Gap and at South Mountain on September 14. Despite strong resistance, Union forces secured both mountain passes, forcing Lee to consolidate his army near Sharpsburg, Maryland. On September 17, the Union forces under McClellan fought against Lee's army in the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 22,000 casualties. The Union victory at Antietam halted Lee's invasion. After retreating across the Potomac River, Lee's rear guard fought a delaying action at the Battle of Shepherdstown (September 19–20), repelling Union forces and securing the Confederate withdrawal, formally ending Lee's invasion. During the Confederate withdrawal, J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry conducted a raid on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (October 10–12), disrupting Union supply lines in Pennsylvania, followed by a raid on Unison, Virginia (October 31–November 2).


      Gettysburg campaign



      The Gettysburg campaign in June–July 1863, was Confederate General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North. The campaign opened with the Battle of Franklin's Crossing on June 5, where Union forces probed Confederate defenses near Fredericksburg, Virginia. As Lee's army advanced, Union cavalry clashed with Confederate horsemen at the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, the largest cavalry engagement of the war, ending in a tactical draw but boosting Union cavalry confidence. Lee’s forces then swept into the Shenandoah Valley, securing a decisive victory at the Second Battle of Winchester (June 13–15), capturing the town of Winchester, Virginia, and thousands of Union troops. As Confederate forces crossed into Pennsylvania, cavalry skirmishes erupted at Aldie, Virginia on June 17, at Middleburg, Virginia on June 19, and at Upperville on June 21, delaying Confederate advances and providing critical intelligence to Union General Joseph Hooker. Meanwhile, Confederate cavalry under Major General J. E. B. Stuart fought at Fairfax Court House on June 27 and at Corbit's Charge on June 29, where outnumbered Union troopers delayed the Confederate advance near Westminster, Maryland.

      As Lee's forces approached key Northern cities, they skirmished with Union militia at Hanover, Pennsylvania on June 30, at Sporting Hill on June 30, and at Carlisle, Pennsylvania on July 1, burning parts of Carlisle in retaliation for Union resistance. The campaign reached its turning point at the Battle of Gettysburg between July 1–3, where Lee's army suffered a crushing defeat after three days of intense fighting, culminating in Pickett's Charge. Lee retreated back to Virginia under heavy Union pursuit. The retreat from Gettysburg was marked by fierce rear-guard actions. Confederate forces defended key mountain passes at Fairfield, Pennsylvania on July 3, at Monterey Pass on July 4–5, and at Williamsport, Maryland (July 6–14), holding off Union forces while securing river crossings at the Potomac. Additional clashes at Boonsboro, Maryland on July 8, at Funkstown, Maryland on July 10, and at Manassas Gap in Virginia on July 23 ensured Lee’s escape.


      Morgan's Raid



      Morgan's Raid (June–July 1863) was a Confederate cavalry operation led by General John Hunt Morgan, aimed at disrupting Union supply lines and spreading panic in the North. Starting in Tennessee, Morgan's force moved into Kentucky, clashing with Union troops at the Battle of Tebbs Bend on July 4, where they were repulsed but continued advancing. At the Battle of Lebanon, Kentucky on July 5, Morgan captured the town after fierce resistance but suffered heavy casualties, including the death of his brother. Crossing into Indiana, Morgan's men overwhelmed local militia at the Battle of Corydon on July 9, marking the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana. Pushing into Ohio, Morgan's exhausted force was intercepted at the Battle of Buffington Island on July 19, where Union troops under General Edward H. Hobson and gunboats dealt a crushing defeat, capturing hundreds of Confederates. Morgan and a small group managed to escape but were finally surrounded at the Battle of Salineville on July 26, where he and his remaining men were captured.


      Battle of Chickamauga



      The Battle of Chickamauga (September 19–20, 1863) was a major Confederate victory in northern Georgia, which ended the Chickamauga campaign, a Union invasion of Georgia. After Union General William Rosecrans forced Confederate General Braxton Bragg from the city of Chickamauga, Georgia, Bragg, reinforced by General James Longstreet, counterattacked near Chickamauga Creek. A Union miscommunication on September 20 created a gap in their line, allowing Longstreet to rout much of the Union army. Despite the collapse, Union General George Henry Thomas held Snodgrass Hill, enabling a Union retreat to Chattanooga, Tennessee and earning the nickname "Rock of Chickamauga."


      Price's Missouri Expedition



      Price's Missouri Expedition (September–October 1864) was a Confederate military campaign led by Major General Sterling Price, aiming to reclaim Missouri for the Confederacy, disrupt Union supply lines, and influence the 1864 U.S. presidential election. The campaign began with the Battle of Fort Davidson on September 27, where Price’s forces won a costly victory but failed to destroy the fort’s Union garrison, forcing him to continue his raid deeper into Missouri. Price advanced northward, capturing the town of Glasgow, Missouri on October 15 after a day of fighting, seizing much-needed supplies. He then moved west, engaging Union forces at Sedalia, Missouri and winning a minor skirmish. At the second battle of Lexington, Missouri on October 19, Price’s army overwhelmed the Union garrison under the command of General James G. Blunt, opening the path toward Kansas City, Missouri. However, Price's advance was briefly halted at the Battle of Little Blue River on October 21, where Union forces mounted a strong resistance before retreating to fortified positions at Independence. The Second Battle of Independence on October 22 saw Price's forces take the town but at significant cost. Union forces launched a counteroffensive at Byram’s Ford between October 22–23, forcing Price into a full-scale confrontation at the Battle of Westport on October 23, located in modern-day Kansas City. Outnumbered and outmaneuvered, Price's army suffered a decisive defeat, forcing a retreat southward. His retreat turned into a desperate running battle, with clashes at Marais des Cygnes and at Mine Creek on October 25, where Union cavalry captured hundreds of Confederate soldiers, including two Confederate generals. Price’s battered army made a final stand at the battle of Marmiton River later in the day on October 25, but Union forces inflicted further losses. The expedition ended after the Second Battle of Newtonia on October 28, where Price's rear guard briefly held off pursuing Union troops before retreating into Arkansas.


      Assassination of Abraham Lincoln



      The assassination of Abraham Lincoln occurred on April 14, 1865, just days after the Civil War’s end. John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, shot United States President Abraham Lincoln in the back of the head while he attended Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Booth fled the scene, shouting “Sic semper tyrannis” and escaping despite breaking his leg. The assassination was part of a broader conspiracy targeting top U.S. officials. Secretary of State William H. Seward was severely wounded in an attack, while Vice President Andrew Johnson's would-be assassin failed. Lincoln died the following morning, plunging the nation into mourning. Booth was killed 12 days later, and the surviving conspirators were captured, tried, and executed.


      = Expedition to Korea (June–July 1871)

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      The United States expedition to Korea in 1871, known as the Shinmiyangyo in Korea, aimed to secure trade, diplomatic ties, and protect shipwrecked sailors after the General Sherman incident. The American expedition consisted of about 650 men, more than 500 sailors and 100 Marines, as well as five warships: Colorado, Alaska, Palos, Monocacy, and Benicia. Embarked aboard Colorado was Rear Admiral John Rodgers, and Frederick F. Low, the United States Ambassador to China. On June 1, Korean forces fired at the U.S. fleet as it sailed up the Ganghwa Straits near Ganghwa Island. Following being fired upon, Rear Admiral John Rodgers launched a military assault against the Korean forces. In the Battle of Ganghwa between June 10–11, U.S. Marines and sailors captured key Korean forts, including Fort Seonghwan, despite fierce resistance led by General Eo Jae-yeon. The Americans secured a military victory but failed to achieve diplomatic concessions as Korea maintained its isolationist stance. This changed with the Joseon–United States Treaty of 1882, Korea’s first treaty with a Western power. It established trade relations, recognized Korean sovereignty, and ensured mutual protection for shipwrecked sailors.


      = Spanish–American War (February 1898–August 1898)

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      The Sinking of the USS Maine on February 15, 1898, was a key event that preluded the Spanish–American War. The USS Maine, a United States Navy battleship, had been sent to Havana Harbor, Cuba, to protect American interests during a period of intense unrest as Cuban rebels fought for independence from the Spanish Empire. While anchored in the harbor, a massive explosion tore through the ship, killing 261 of its 355 crew members. The cause of the explosion was unclear at the time, but sensationalist U.S. newspapers, led by William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World, blamed Spain for the destruction of the USS Maine, fueling public outrage. The rallying cry "Remember the Maine! To Hell with Spain!" swept across the United States, pressuring the American government to take action. Although a naval investigation initially concluded that a mine caused the explosion, later investigations suggested that an internal fire in a coal bunker may have triggered the blast.


      1900–1945




      = Mexican Border War (November 1910–June 1919)

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      The First Battle of Agua Prieta was fought on August 13–14, 1911, between the supporters of Francisco Madero and federal troops of Porfirio Díaz during the Mexican Revolution at the Mexico–United States border town of Agua Prieta, Mexico. During the course of the battle, U.S. troops stationed in the Douglas, Arizona right across border were fired upon by federal troops under Díaz. As a result of being attacked, the Americans responded by intervening in the battle, which allowed the rebels to briefly take control of the town. One American was killed and 13 other Americans were injured during the battle's spill-over into Douglas.


      = Occupation of Nicaragua (August 1912–1916)

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      The Battle of Masaya on September 19, 1912, was an engagement during the first U.S. occupation of Nicaragua, fought between U.S. Marines and sailors, led by General Smedley Butler and Nicaraguan rebels, led by Benjamín Zeledón. The United States government sent an expedition of 400 U.S. Marines and sailors, plus "a pair of Colts and 3-inch guns, to seize the city of Granada, Nicaragua from rebel forced. Traveling by train, Butler's forces reached the outskirts of Masaya, where they were threatened by rebels atop the hills of Coyotepe and Barranca. The Americans negotiated with Zeledón for safe passage past the two imposing hills. On September 19, the Americans continued their journey into the city of Masaya, with Butler, "legs dangling," sitting at the front of the train on a flatcar placed in front of the engine. The train had nearly gotten through the town, when, at Nindiri Station, the Americans were confronted by two mounted Nicaraguans. These two men, possibly drunk, opened fire with pistols, striking Corporal J. J. Bourne, who was next to Butler, in the finger. Butler had the train stopped, so a corpsman could be summoned to aid Bourne. Before long, snipers in the houses on both sides of the railroad track and 150 "armed horsemen" began shooting at the American forces. The American forces then returned fire. The most intense period of fighting lasted five minutes, "then [the firing] gradually died out." During the battle, six Americans were wounded and three others were captured by the rebels.


      = World War I (April 1915–November 1918)

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      Bombing of the SS Cushing


      On April 29, 1915, the SS Cushing, a American commercial steamship belonging to Standard Oil, was attacked by naval aviators of the German Empire.


      Sinking of the SS Gulflight



      The sinking of the SS Gulflight occurred on May 1, 1915, during World War I. The Gulflight, an American oil tanker owned by the Gulf Refining Company, left Port Arthur, Texas on April 10 carrying a cargo of gasoline in the ship's tanks and barrels of lubricating oil to Rouen, France. At a point 22 nautical miles (41 km) west of the Bishop Rock lighthouse, Isles of Scilly, at 11 a.m. on 1 May, Gulflight was challenged by two British patrol vessels, HMS Iago and HMS Filey, which queried her destination. The patrol ships had been searching for a submarine which had been sinking ships in the area over the last couple of days. The patrol vessels were not satisfied with Gulflight's papers and suspected her of refuelling the U-boat, so ordered the tanker to accompany them into port. The patrol ships took up station one on either side of Gulflight, Iago close on the starboard side and Filey further ahead on the port. At 12:50 p.m., on May 1, 1915, while off the Isles of Scilly in the North Atlantic, the German U-boat U-30 fired a torpedo at the Gulflight, which was flying an American flag. The torpedo struck Gulflight, causing it to sink. The crew abandoned ship, and were taken on board by the patrol ship Iago which turned towards St Mary's island. While abandoning the ship, two crew members died while jumping into the water. At about 2:30 a.m., Captain Gunter from Gulflight was taken ill and died around 3:40 a.m. from a heart attack.


      Sinking of the RMS Lusitania



      The sinking of the RMS Lusitania occurred on May 7, 1915, during World War I, when the RMS Lusitania, a British ocean liner was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-20 off the southern coast of Ireland near the Old Head of Kinsale. The Lusitania, operated by the Cunard Line, was on a transatlantic voyage from New York City to Liverpool, carrying 1,959 passengers and crew, including men, women, and children from various countries. The ship was struck by a single torpedo on its starboard side, causing a secondary explosion believed to be from munitions stored in the cargo hold. This devastating blast caused the Lusitania to sink in just 18 minutes, plunging the majority of the vessel beneath the waves before many lifeboats could be launched. Of the 1,959 people on board, 1,198 died, including 128 Americans.

      The German Empire had declared the waters around the British Isles a war zone and issued warnings that ships sailing through the area could be attacked. Despite these warnings, the Lusitania continued its route, relying on its speed and the belief that passenger liners would not be targeted. The incident caused a global outcry, particularly in Britain and the United States, where public opinion turned sharply against Germany. The sinking became a powerful propaganda tool for the Allies, portraying the Germans as ruthless aggressors. Although the U.S. did not immediately enter the war, the loss of American lives strained diplomatic relations and intensified calls for action. The sinking of the RMS Lusitania remains one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in history and is often cited as a key event that ultimately led the United States to declare war on Germany in April 1917, marking a turning point in World War I. The ship's sinking continues to be a subject of historical investigation, with debates about whether it was a legitimate military target due to its cargo of munitions and whether the British government used the incident to draw the United States into the war.


      Black Tom explosion


      On July 30, 1916, during World War I, a series of explosions destroyed over two million pounds of munitions at a depot on Black Tom Island in Jersey City, New Jersey. The attack, carried out by agents of the German Empire, targeted ammunition shipments to Allied forces in Europe. The explosion injured hundreds, killed between four and seven people, and caused an estimated $20 million in damages (equivalent to over $500 million today). The incident marked one of the largest acts of sabotage on U.S. soil.


      January 1917 German Crown Council meeting



      On January 9, 1917, the German Crown Council had a meeting, presided over by German Emperor Wilhelm II, which decided on the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by the Imperial German Navy during World War I. Immediately following the announcement of unrestricted submarine warfare, which was made public on January 31, the United States public opinion was immediately in favor of joining the war against the German Empire. On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked a special joint session of the United States Congress for a declaration of war against the German Empire. Congress responded with the declaration on April 6. Between January 9–April 6, 1917, the German Empire sank ten American merchant ships.


      Sinking of the SS Santa Maria


      On February 25, 1918, while traveling in convoy HH42, the SS Santa Maria, a tanker owned by Sun Co., Inc. was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-19 while off the coast of Lough Swilly, County Donegal, United Kingdom. The crew successfully abandoned ship and survived the attack.


      Sinking of the SS Carolina


      On June 2, 1918, the 380-foot-long (120 m) passenger liner SS Carolina was sunk by the German submarine U-151 while traveling from San Juan to New York. The sinking ultimately resulted in 13 deaths when a motor dory carrying survivors capsized— representing the first civilian casualties of U-boat activity on the US Atlantic seaboard. The attack represented one of six U.S. vessels that sunk on June 2nd, resulting in the day being deemed "Black Sunday".


      Attack on Orleans


      On July 21, 1918, German submarine U-156 fired on a tugboat convoy 3 miles (5 km) off the coast of Orleans, Massachusetts. During the hour-long battle, the submarine damaged the tugboat Perth Amboy and sank several barges towed by it, while American Curtiss HS seaplanes unsuccessfully attempted to bomb the U-boat. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued all 32 sailors, and there were no casualties. The submarine escaped after firing 147 shells.
      Some shells landed on Nauset Beach, making Orleans the only place in the contiguous United States to receive enemy fire during World War I. It was also the first time that the United States was shelled by artillery of an external power since the Siege of Fort Texas in 1846.


      = Battle of Columbus (March 1916)

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      = Occupation of the Dominican Republic (May 1916–September 1924)

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      = Murder of Robert Whitney Imbrie (July 1924)

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      An angry mob led by members of the Muslim clergy and including many members of the Iranian Army beat Consul Robert W. Imbrie to death. The mob blamed the United States for poisoning a well.


      = World War II (December 1941–September 1945)

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      Attack on Pearl Harbor




      Japanese first attack on Midway




      Japanese invasion of the Philippines




      Japanese invasion of Wake Island




      Japanese invasion of Guam




      Bombing of Darwin, Australia




      Bombardment of Ellwood, California




      Battle of the Coral Sea




      Battle of Dutch Harbor




      Japanese invasion and occupation of Kiska




      Japanese invasion and occupation of Attu




      Bombardment of Fort Stevens, Oregon




      Lookout Air Raids




      Japanese bombing of Bly, Oregon




      1946–1999




      = May 24 incident (1957)

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      = Embassy in Ankara bombing (January 1958)

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      At 12:00 AM local time on January 27, 1958, a bomb went off at a warehouse inside the U.S. Embassy compound. A second bomb went off destroyed the nearby American Publication Stores private bookshop. The United States released later that day it was believed both bombs were thrown from cars passing the Embassy compound. The Associated Press and The New York Times jointly published that the bombing was attempting to tarnish America's prestige before the opening of the Baghdad Pact Conference later that day.


      = U-2 incident (May 1960)

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      = Assassination of John F. Kennedy (November 1963)

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      = Embassy in Libreville bombings (March 1964)

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      Two weeks after a failed coup which the U.S. was mistakenly blamed for, on March 5, 1964, a small bomb detonated outside the embassy compound, damaging a sign and cracking windows. Three days later on March 8, a second bombing on the embassy in Gabon occurred. The embassy was also fired on with a shotgun, causing minor damage.


      = Vietnam War (August 1964–March 1973)

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      = USS Liberty incident (June 1967)

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      = Assassination of Rodger Davies (August 1974)

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      Riot outside embassy; ambassador Rodger Davies and assistant shot by sniper on August 19, 1974.


      = November 1974 attacks in Japan (November 1974)

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      = AIA building hostage crisis (August 1975)

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      Japanese Red Army gunmen stormed the AIA building, containing both the US and Swedish embassies, and took 53 hostages.


      = Shooting at the Embassy in Caracas (February 1976)

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      On February 17, 1976, gunmen in a car fire at the embassy causing minimal damage.


      = Iran hostage crisis (November 1979–January 1981)

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      During the aftermath of the Iranian revolution, 53 American citizens and diplomats were held hostage by a group of armed Iranian college students who took over the United States' Embassy in Tehran. This led to the termination of Iran–United States relations and sanctions until the hostages were released in January 1981.


      = Embassy burning in Islamabad (November 1979)

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      During the rise of Wahhabism in Pakistan, a large mob of Pakistani citizens violently stormed the Embassy of the United States in Islamabad and subsequently burned it down in a coordinated attack on 21 November 1985.


      = Embassy burning in Libya (December 1979)

      =
      Protesters burned down the U.S. embassy on 2 December 1979, after allegations rose up of the United States being involved in the Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This led to the US withdrawing all remaining U.S. government personnel in Libya.


      = United States involvement in the Lebanese Civil War (April 1983–September 1984)

      =


      = Embassy in Kuwait City bombing (December 1983)

      =


      = Embassy in Bogotá first bombing (November 1984)

      =
      On November 26, 1984, a car bomb outside embassy planted by drug cartel.


      = Embassy in Lisbon bombing (February 1986)

      =
      On February 19, 1986, the Popular Forces of 25 April a bomb exploded in a diplomat‘s car outside the American embassy in Lisbon. The bomb was discovered by Portuguese guards and no fatalies were reported.


      = Embassy in Jakarta bombing (May 1986)

      =
      On May 14, 1986, Japanese Red Army members attempt a mortar attack; their mortar shells fail to detonate


      = Embassy in Rome bombing (June 1987)

      =
      On June 9, 1987, Car bomb set off, two rocket-propelled grenades fired at embassy.


      = Embassy in Bogotá second bombing (September 1989)

      =
      On September 17, 1989, a homemade rocket was fired at embassy by unknown assailant, no damage reported.


      = World Trade Center bombing (February 1993)

      =
      On February 26, 1993, a terrorist bombing targeted the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. A 1,200-pound (540 kg) truck bomb was detonated in the underground parking garage, causing a massive explosion that killed six people and injured over 1,000. The blast created a 100-foot (30 m) crater, severely damaging multiple floors but failing to topple the towers, which was the attackers’ intended goal.
      The attack was carried out by a group of Islamist extremists, including Ramzi Yousef, who orchestrated the plot, and several accomplices. They aimed to protest U.S. foreign policies in the Middle East. Authorities apprehended and convicted six individuals in connection with the bombing, including Yousef, who was later sentenced to life in prison.


      = Embassy in Lima bombing (July 1993)

      =
      On July 27, 1993, a car bomb planted by Shining Path, significant damage to embassy building.


      = Oklahoma City bombing (April 1995)

      =
      A domestic terrorist truck bombing on April 19, 1995, targeting the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Orchestrated by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, the attack killed 168 people, including 19 children, and injured over 680 others, marking it as the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history at the time. Motivated by anti-government sentiment, McVeigh used a truck loaded with explosives. Both perpetrators were arrested, tried, and convicted; McVeigh was executed in 2001.


      = Embassy in Moscow bombing (September 1995)

      =
      On September 13, 1995, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired on embassy by unknown assailant.


      = Embassy in Beirut bombing (June 1998)

      =
      On June 21, 1998, RPGs fired at embassy by Hezbollah.


      = 1998 United States embassy bombings (August 1998)

      =


      = Attack on the embassy in Monrovia (September 1998)

      =
      On September 19, 1998, Liberian security forces opened fire on a warlord speaking with U.S. officials at the embassy gate and subsequently laid siege to the building, killing or wounding more than 10 people. An embassy staff member and a government contractor were among the wounded.


      2000–present




      = USS Cole bombing (October 2000)

      =

      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, creating a 40-by-60-foot (12 by 18 m) gash in the ship's port side, killing 17 sailors and injuring 37 others. On March 14, 2007, a federal judge in the United States, Robert G. Doumar, ruled that the Sudanese government was liable for the bombing. 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."


      = September 11 attacks (September 2001)

      =

      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.


      = War in Afghanistan (October 2001–August 2021)

      =


      = Attack on American cultural centre in Kolkata (January 2002)

      =
      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.
      The assailants were linked to Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI), an Islamist extremist group operating in South Asia. 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.


      = Attacks on the Consulate in Karachi (June 2002–March 2006)

      =


      = Consulate in Denpasar bombing (October 2002)

      =


      = Embassy in Tashkent bombing (June 2004)

      =
      On June 30, 2004, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan bombs embassy.


      = Attack on the diplomatic compound in Jeddah (December 2004)

      =
      On December 6, 2004, al-Qaeda gunmen raid diplomatic compound.


      = Attack on the Embassy in Damascus (September 2006)

      =
      On September 12, 2006, gunmen raid embassy.


      = Embassy in Athens bombing (January 2007)

      =
      On January 12, 2007, RPG fired at embassy by Revolutionary Struggle.


      = Embassy in Casablanca bombing (April 2007)

      =
      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)

      =


      = Attacks on the embassy in Sana'a (March 2008 - January 2009)

      =


      = Attack on the consulate in Istanbul (July 2008)

      =

      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. Turkish authorities arrested multiple individuals believed to be associated with the planning and support of the attack.


      = Attack on the embassy in Managua (October 2009)

      =
      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.


      = Attacks on the consulate in Peshawar (April 2010)

      =
      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.
      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.


      = Attack on the embassy in Sarajevo (October 2011)

      =
      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)

      =
      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.
      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.


      = Reactions to Innocence of Muslims (September 2012)

      =


      = Embassy in Ankara bombing (February 2013)

      =
      On February 1, 2013, a suicide bombing targeted the U.S. embassy in Ankara, Turkey. 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.
      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.


      = Operation Inherent Resolve (June 2015–present)

      =


      = Embassy in Tashkent bombing (September 2015)

      =
      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.


      = Embassy in Podgorica bombing (February 2018)

      =
      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.


      = Embassy in Beijing bombing (July 2018)

      =
      On July 26, 2018, an unidentified 26-year-old man set off explosive device outside the embassy.


      = Consulate in Guadalajara bombing (December 2018)

      =
      On December 1, 2018, an unidentified assailant threw a grenade at the consulate.


      = Attack on the embassy in Yangon (March 2021)

      =

      On March 27, 2021, a shooting occurred at the United States Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar.


      = Embassy in Madrid bombing (December 2022)

      =
      On December 1, 2022.


      = Middle Eastern crisis (October 2023–present)

      =


      Notes




      References

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