Senators Shaheen and Meeks Honor Victims of 1998 U.S. Embassy Bombings on Anniversary

WASHINGTON — On the anniversary of the deadly 1998 embassy bombings in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) reaffirmed their commitment to honoring the victims and supporting American diplomats worldwide.

In a joint statement, Shaheen, the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Meeks, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, paid tribute to the 213 lives lost in the attacks, which involved near-simultaneous truck bomb explosions orchestrated by Al Qaeda. Among the victims were 12 Americans — including diplomats, intelligence officers, and Defense Department personnel — alongside local staff and foreign service nationals.

The senators highlighted the enduring legacy of those who sacrificed their lives and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to support their families. They noted that the families of the victims successfully championed the creation of the State Department’s Office of Casualty Assistance (OCA) in 1999, to provide vital support to the loved ones of U.S. personnel injured or killed abroad.

“As we reflect on their sacrifice—and the contributions of the brave American and local personnel who rebuilt our diplomatic presence in these countries after that tragedy—we must also reaffirm our commitment to those who serve the United States today,” the senators stated.

They expressed concern over the recent decision to abruptly close the OCA, emphasizing that such actions dishonor the memory of the 1998 victims and undermine the support system for American diplomats overseas.

“The U.S. must continue to ensure that in the face of tragedy, our diplomats and their families receive the respect, care, and support they deserve,” Shaheen and Meeks declared.

As the nation remembers those lost and honors their legacy, the senators called for renewed dedication to the safety and well-being of all American personnel serving abroad.