Cole: Al Qaeda’s Strike Before 9/11

YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2024

Episodes: 3 episodes x 60 minutes

Genre: History, War

SYNOPSIS:

October 12, 2000, was a devastating day for the U.S. Navy and a watershed moment in 21st-century warfare. The USS Cole, a destroyer, fell under attack by suicide bombers under the command of Osama Bin Laden while refueling in Aden Harbor, Yemen. The tragic event resulted in the loss of 17 sailors, including two women - the first ever killed in combat, while seriously wounding 39 others. This marked the first time Al Qaeda directly targeted a U.S. vessel, a pivotal event that spurred an immediate international military response. While the U.S. was slowed down by diplomatic red tape, the French and British, in a demonstration of unity, immediately jumped into action to save the ship and its sailors. This act not only galvanized Western democracies but also set the stage for the global war on terror.

TERROR ON THE COLE blends archival news footage, dramatic reenactments, and cutting-edge CGI with an exciting original score. This gripping three-part series examines the events surrounding the bombing of the USS Cole. We journey from the tension-filled moments leading up to the bombing to the chaotic aftermath through first-hand accounts from those on the ground and at sea. This immersive exploration sheds light on previously untold stories of heroism by the crew and international allies in their efforts to save both the ship and the wounded and follows the relentless and painstaking pursuit by the FBI and CIA of the terrorists involved.