What was the significance other than the obvious harm to us forces of the terror attack on the uss cole in 2000

Other than the obvious harm to US forces, the attack on the USS Cole showed that Al-Qaeda had not been intimidated by the American counterterrorism actions that took place after the attacks on the African embassies.

Explanation:

The attack on USS Cole took place on October 12, 2000, while it was refueling at the port of Aden, Yemen. About 17 American sailors were killed and 39 others were injured.  

Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack. The Clinton Administration's response was considered timid, with little military action directed against those responsible.

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