Historical Events tagged with "angola"

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.

Science & Technology

First Tropical Storm Documented by Satellites

April 10th, 1991 33 years ago

A significant weather phenomenon, a rare tropical storm, emerged in the South Atlantic Ocean near Angola. This storm marked a historical event as it was the first tropical system to be documented by satellite technology, demonstrating the advancements in meteorological observation. This rare occurrence gained attention not only for its unusual development in a typically less active storm region but also for the insights it provided into storm formation and behavior in the South Atlantic.

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Military & Warfare

Angolan and Cuban Victory at Cuito Cuanavale

March 23rd, 1988 36 years ago

Angolan and Cuban forces achieved a significant victory against South African troops at the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which was one of the pivotal confrontations in the Angolan Civil War. The battle, featuring intense engagements between March and June, was marked by a combination of conventional warfare and guerrilla tactics. The Angolan government, supported by Cuban military advisors, sought to repel South African incursions meant to destabilize the region and support UNITA rebels. Their success shifted the balance of power in Southern Africa.

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Military & Warfare

Antonov An-12 Downed in Angola Conflict

November 25th, 1985 39 years ago

A Soviet Air Force Antonov An-12 was shot down near Menongue in Angola's Cuando Cubango Province, resulting in the deaths of 21 personnel on board. The aircraft, engaged in support of the MPLA, was targeted during a period of intense conflict amidst Angola's civil war. The incident underscored the ongoing tensions and military operations involving multiple factions vying for control within the country.

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Accidents & Tragedies

TAAG Flight 462 crash in Angola

November 8th, 1983 41 years ago

TAAG Angola Airlines Flight 462 took off from Lubango Airport, bound for Luanda, but tragically crashed shortly after departure, resulting in the loss of all 130 passengers and crew on board. UNITA, a rebel group in Angola, later claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft, although this assertion was disputed by government officials. The event marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Angola's history.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Interflug Il-18 Crash at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport

March 26th, 1979 45 years ago

An Ilyushin Il-18 operated by Interflug crashed at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Luanda during a rejected takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals. The aircraft was on a scheduled flight when it encountered difficulties shortly after the takeoff decision, leading to its tragic demise.

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Military & Warfare

Attack on SWAPO Base at Cassinga

May 4th, 1978 46 years ago

The South African Defence Force launched an attack on a SWAPO base located at Cassinga in southern Angola, resulting in approximately 600 fatalities, mostly among SWAPO personnel. The operation was part of South Africa's broader strategy to combat the independence movement in Namibia, fueled by regional tensions and Cold War dynamics. The attack aimed to disrupt SWAPO activities and demonstrate South Africa's military capability in the region, leading to significant repercussions in Namibian and Angolan politics.

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Military & Warfare

Execution of Four Mercenaries in Angola

July 10th, 1976 48 years ago

Four mercenaries, including an American and three British nationals, were executed in Angola after being convicted in the Luanda Trial. The trial followed their involvement in a failed coup attempt against the Angolan government. The case drew international attention due to its implications for foreign mercenary involvement in African conflicts.

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Crime & Law

Mercenaries Sentenced in Luanda Trial

June 28th, 1976 48 years ago

In a significant ruling, an Angolan court issued death sentences and prison terms to several US and UK mercenaries involved in an attempted coup. The trial, held in Luanda, focused on the accusations of plotting against the newly established Angolan government shortly after the country gained independence from Portugal. This verdict highlighted the tense geopolitical landscape of Cold War-era Africa, with foreign intervention straining the nation’s sovereignty.

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Politics & Government

Angola Achieves Independence from Portugal

November 11th, 1975 49 years ago

Angola gained its independence from Portuguese colonial rule after a prolonged armed struggle. The war for independence began in 1961, led by several nationalist movements, notably the MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA. The final declaration of independence took place in Luanda, Angola's capital, marking a significant milestone in the decolonization process across Africa. The event was celebrated by thousands of Angolans who had fought for national sovereignty, transitioning from colonial rule to self-determination and national governance.

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