Historical Events tagged with "Saddam Hussein"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Coalition Forces Launch Iraq War Invasion

March 20th, 2003 22 years ago

A multinational coalition including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland commenced an invasion of Iraq, primarily citing the need to eliminate weapons of mass destruction. The military campaign began with aerial bombardments aimed at key targets in Baghdad, intended to incapacitate the Iraqi military and leadership. The invasion quickly progressed, leading to ground forces advancing into Iraq from Kuwait as part of a broader strategy to remove President Saddam Hussein from power.

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Military & Warfare

Iraq Threatens Fire on Allied Aircraft

December 26th, 1998 26 years ago

Iraq announced its intention to target U.S. and British warplanes patrolling the northern and southern no-fly zones established after the Gulf War. The declaration came amid increasing tensions between Iraq and the West, particularly over the country's compliance with UN weapons inspections. Iraqi officials claimed that the incursions by foreign aircraft were violations of its sovereignty and threatened military action. This announcement escalated fears of renewed conflict in the region as the U.S. and the UK maintained their stance on enforcing the no-fly zones to protect Kurdish and Shia populations in Iraq.

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Military & Warfare

Saddam Hussein's Troops Capture Irbil

August 31st, 1996 28 years ago

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani called for assistance against his rival, leading Saddam Hussein's forces to capture the city of Irbil. The conflict between Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) intensified, prompting external military involvement in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.

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Politics & Government

Saddam Hussein's Televised Diplomacy

August 23rd, 1990 34 years ago

Saddam Hussein appeared on Iraqi state television with several Western hostages, aiming to leverage their situation to dissuade international military action against Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait. This broadcast sought to influence global perceptions and deter the impending Gulf War by portraying Iraq as a victim of aggression, rather than an aggressor. The hostages included individuals from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and other nations, used as pawns in Saddam's strategic maneuvering.

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Politics & Government

Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr Resigns, Saddam Hussein Appointed

July 16th, 1979 45 years ago

Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr resigned as the President of Iraq, making way for Saddam Hussein to succeed him. Al-Bakr had led Iraq since 1968 and was a prominent figure in the Ba'ath Party, focusing on modernization and socialist reforms. However, internal party dynamics and health concerns influenced his decision to step down, allowing Hussein, who had been a key ally, to take over the presidency. The transition marked a significant shift in Iraqi governance and set the stage for Hussein's future authoritarian rule.

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