By
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON - An apparent terrorist bomb tore into a U.S. Navy destroyer yesterday, killing at least five Americans and leaving 12 missing, the Defense Department said. Authorities said the explosion was triggered by a small boat that had pulled alongside the ship as it was docked in the Arabian Peninsula.
President Clinton said the attack on the USS Cole, one of the world's most advanced warships, appeared to be an act of terrorism. "We will find out who was responsible and hold them accountable," he pledged.
He dispatched to Yemen investigative teams from the FBI, the State Department and the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary William Cohen said no one had claimed responsibility for the attack, which also injured 36.
