By attacking the USS Cole, al-Qaeda ultimately aimed to

A. eliminate all sea-based attacks in Yemen.

B. send a violent warning message to the United States.

C. demonstrate the Taliban's power in Afghanistan.

D. destroy all American forces in the Middle East.

B. send a violent warning message to the United States.

The USS Cole was bombed by Al-Qaeda in 2000 when the ship stopped in Yemen refuel.

The USS Cole was targeted to send a message to the US. A year later the World Trade Center attack occurred on 9/11. Al-Qaeda took immediate responsibility for the suicide bombing resulting in American deaths on the ship. It is believed Sudan aided the bombing by giving Al-Qaeda tips on the location of US ships.

By attacking the USS Cole, al-Qaeda ultimately aimed to " B. send a violent warning message to the United States," since this was an act of terror meant to intimidate the US.