The Ship and Its Mission
The USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy intelligence ship, was stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean in June 1967 during the Six-Day War between Israel and its neighboring states. Its mission was to gather intelligence from the region while maintaining a neutral stance.
The Attack on June 8, 1967
On June 8, Israeli air and naval forces launched an assault on the USS Liberty. Fighter jets strafed the ship, and torpedo boats fired at it, causing severe damage. The attack resulted in 34 crew members killed and 171 injured, making it one of the most devastating incidents involving a U.S. Navy ship during peacetime.
Immediate Aftermath
The attack lasted over an hour before the Israelis ceased fire, later claiming it was a case of mistaken identity. The Israeli government apologized and provided compensation for the victims and damages to the ship, asserting they believed the Liberty was an enemy vessel.
Investigations and Questions
The U.S. and Israel conducted investigations, both concluding the attack was unintentional. However, some survivors and officials questioned the findings, citing inconsistencies in the reports. The incident remains a subject of debate and analysis decades later.
On June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War, the USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy intelligence ship, was attacked by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean. Fighter jets and torpedo boats struck the ship, leaving 34 crew members dead and 171 injured in a devastating peacetime incident.
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