The Khobar Towers bombing occurred when a truck laden with explosives detonated outside a housing complex for U.S. servicemen in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 19 American military personnel and injuries to more than 500 others. The attack was executed on the evening of June 25, 1996, targeting the facility that housed U.S. forces in the region, who were deployed primarily for Operation Southern Watch overseeing the no-fly zone in southern Iraq after the Gulf War. Following the bombing, investigations indicated that the attack was orchestrated by a group with ties to Iranian-backed militants, emphasizing the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East during this period.

The Khobar Towers served as a critical military installation for the U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the country's strategic role in U.S. defense policy in the Gulf region. The bomb exploded just outside the residential area, leading to the immediate collapse of a section of the building. Many servicemen were sleeping at the time, which contributed to the high casualty rate. The United States and Saudi Arabia took substantial measures following the attack to enhance security and conduct investigations into the planning and execution of this devastating act.

This incident marked a significant shift in the United States' military strategy and focused attention on the need for improved security measures at military installations worldwide. In the aftermath, many questions arose regarding the adequacy of intelligence and the challenges faced by U.S. forces stationed in volatile regions. The attack led to an intensification of U.S. counter-terrorism operations and a reevaluation of foreign military policies in the Middle East.