USS Cole sailors’ families seek more compensation

The families of the 17 sailors killed in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole are asking to reopen their lawsuit against Sudan in an effort to seek more money from the nation.

Some of the families already received $13 million from frozen Sudanese assets in the United States, but a federal judge in Norfolk denied them millions more for pain and suffering, citing a limitation in the law.

Congress recently passed legislation that has opened the door for families of terrorism victims to seek damages for pain and suffering.

U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar in March 2007 found Sudan liable for assisting the terrorists who attacked the destroyer at a Yemeni port. He ordered Sudan on Thursday to respond to the families' request.

Among those killed on the Norfolk-based USS Cole was Mechanicsville native Kenneth Clodfelter, 21.

-- From Staff and Wire Reports