The role of the these types of operations would be both offensive and defensive. Conventional navies have used small craft for hit-and-run type attacks and raids on enemy ships, shore line and port facilities as far back as World War II (the German e-boats) and recent as the Iran–Iraq War. Following suicide attacks on warships by terrorists such as in the Sri Lankan Civil War and the USS Cole bombing, navies have adapted specialized crafts to maintain port security, patrol coastal and river line areas.