Historical Events tagged with "ambush"

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

Ambush of Nigerien-American Forces in Tongo Tongo

October 4th, 2017 7 years ago

Joint Nigerien and American special forces were ambushed by Islamic State militants in Tongo Tongo, Niger, resulting in multiple fatalities. The operation aimed to gather intelligence on ISIS activities in the region. The encounter showcased the growing threat of ISIS in West Africa and highlighted the complexity of counterterrorism efforts in fragile states. A total of four US servicemen and five Nigerien soldiers lost their lives in the attack.

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Military & Warfare

Chechen Separatists Ambush Russian Paramilitary Troops

May 11th, 2000 24 years ago

In a bold operation, Chechen separatists launched an ambush against Russian paramilitary forces in the Republic of Ingushetia, resulting in significant casualties. The attack showcased the ongoing hostilities from the second Chechen war, with Chechen fighters employing guerrilla tactics to target Russian military operations in the region. The ambush underscored the instability in the North Caucasus and highlighted the complexities of the conflict between Russian forces and Chechen separatists.

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Military & Warfare

Ambush of KLA Fighters by Yugoslav Army

December 14th, 1998 26 years ago

A Yugoslav Army ambush led to the deaths of 36 Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) fighters attempting to smuggle weapons across the border from Albania into Kosovo. The encounter occurred in a mountainous area where the KLA was known to operate, highlighting the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region as both sides sought control and resources during the tumultuous period of the Yugoslav Wars.

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Military & Warfare

SAS Ambush Kills IRA Members in Loughgall

May 8th, 1987 37 years ago

A significant ambush occurred in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, where members of the Special Air Service (SAS) engaged a group of Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteers. Eight IRA members were killed alongside a civilian during the encounter. The operation was part of ongoing conflict between British forces and the IRA, aiming to disrupt the IRA’s activities.

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Military & Warfare

Thirteen Sri Lanka Army Soldiers Killed in Ambush

July 23rd, 1983 41 years ago

A deadly ambush executed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam resulted in the deaths of thirteen Sri Lankan Army soldiers. The ambush took place in the northeastern region of Sri Lanka, highlighting the intense conflict between government forces and Tamil militants seeking to establish an independent Tamil Eelam. This incident marked a significant escalation in hostilities during a turbulent period in Sri Lanka's civil war, with the Tamil Tigers employing guerrilla tactics and ambushes to challenge the army's capabilities.

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Military & Warfare

Safra Massacre of Tiger Militants

July 7th, 1980 44 years ago

In July 1980, 83 Tiger militants were killed in an ambush in Safra, Lebanon. The incident resulted from escalating tensions during the Lebanese Civil War, where various factions vied for control. The ambush was executed by rival groups, showcasing the brutal nature of the conflict. This tragic incident underscored the fragility of alliances and the shift in power dynamics within the region, marking a significant point in the ongoing war.

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Military & Warfare

Michael Collins Ambushed and Killed

August 22nd, 1922 102 years ago

Michael Collins, the Commander-in-chief of the Irish Free State Army, was shot dead during an ambush while traveling through County Kerry. Collins was part of the Irish Civil War, which erupted after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. This treaty had divided the country between pro-Treaty forces and anti-Treaty opponents, leading to fierce conflicts. The ambush involved anti-Treaty Republicans who sought to undermine the Free State government, and Collins' death marked a significant turning point in the civil war.

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Military & Warfare

IRA Ambush at Kilmichael

November 28th, 1920 104 years ago

The Irish Republican Army executed an ambush against a convoy of British Auxiliaries in Kilmichael, County Cork, resulting in the deaths of seventeen personnel. The operation, led by the IRA's Tom Barry, was a significant and coordinated attack that showcased the effectiveness of guerrilla tactics against conventional forces. The ambush occurred during the Irish War of Independence, underscoring the intense conflict between Irish republicans and British authorities over Irish sovereignty.

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Military & Warfare

Boers Capture Squadron of 17th Lancers

September 17th, 1901 123 years ago

In September 1901, during the Second Boer War, a squadron of the British 17th Lancers was captured by Boer forces at the Battle of Elands River. The engagement took place in a tense atmosphere, marking another skirmish in a protracted conflict characterized by guerrilla warfare. The Boers successfully ambushed the squadron, highlighting their tactical acumen and the challenges faced by British forces in the region. This incident underscored the vulnerabilities within the British military presence in South Africa.

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