Historical Events tagged with "assassination"

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.

Politics & Government

Assassination of Park Chung Hee

October 26th, 1979 45 years ago

Park Chung Hee, the President of South Korea, was assassinated by Kim Jae-gyu, the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency, during a chaotic incident at the Blue House. Kim Jae-gyu had been reportedly motivated by dissent against Park’s authoritarian regime. The assassination occurred inside the presidential residence, resulting in significant political upheaval and leading to increased instability in South Korea.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Nur Muhammad Taraki

September 14th, 1979 45 years ago

Nur Muhammad Taraki, the Afghan leader and General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party, was assassinated in a coup plot led by Hafizullah Amin. This power struggle occurred amidst rising tensions within the party and external threats. The assassination solidified Hafizullah Amin's control over the party and foreshadowed further instability in Afghanistan's political landscape.

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Crime & Law

Failed Assassination of Nazi Hunters in France

July 9th, 1979 45 years ago

A car bomb exploded outside the home of Serge and Beate Klarsfeld, who were known for their efforts in tracking down former Nazis. The attack, attributed to those opposed to their work, left the vehicle destroyed, but the couple escaped unharmed. This incident highlighted the risks faced by those seeking justice for Holocaust victims and drew attention to ongoing tensions surrounding wartime crimes.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of George Moscone and Harvey Milk

November 27th, 1978 46 years ago

George Moscone, the mayor of San Francisco, and Harvey Milk, an openly gay city supervisor, were assassinated by former supervisor Dan White. The killings took place in Moscone’s office at San Francisco City Hall after White had resigned from his position. White's motive stemmed from a mix of personal and political grievances, culminating in a tragic confrontation that shocked the city and highlighted the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Georgi Markov in London

September 7th, 1978 46 years ago

Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident, was assassinated while crossing Waterloo Bridge in London by Francesco Gullino, an agent of the Bulgarian secret police. The assassination was carried out using a specially-designed umbrella that fired a ricin pellet, a potent toxin. Markov, having fled Bulgaria due to oppressive communist rule, sought asylum in the UK. His murder highlighted the lengths to which the Bulgarian regime would go to silence dissenting voices abroad.

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Politics & Government

Mir Akbar Khyber's Assassination Sparks Revolution

April 17th, 1978 46 years ago

Mir Akbar Khyber, a leading Afghan communist figure, was assassinated in Kabul, an act that triggered widespread unrest. His killing angered many in the leftist movement and galvanized supporters across the nation. The incident marked an escalation in political tensions, ultimately leading to the Saur Revolution, which aimed to establish a communist regime in Afghanistan. Activists and citizens rallied together to oppose the existing government structure, citing Khyber's death as a catalyst for change.

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Politics & Government

Aldo Moro Kidnapped by Red Brigades

March 16th, 1978 46 years ago

Aldo Moro, the former Prime Minister of Italy, was kidnapped by the far-left militant group known as the Red Brigades while he was on his way to a parliamentary session in Rome. His car was ambushed, leading to the brutal murder of his five bodyguards and his own abduction. Over the next 55 days, the nation was engulfed in efforts to secure his release amidst escalating tensions between the government and leftist extremists. Ultimately, Moro was found dead in a parked car, signaling both a profound loss for Italy and a grim turning point in the fight against terrorism.

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Crime & Law

Assassination of Siegfried Buback in Berlin

April 7th, 1977 47 years ago

Siegfried Buback, the German Federal prosecutor, and his driver were ambushed and shot by two members of the Red Army Faction while they were stopped at a red light in West Berlin. The attack occurred mid-afternoon, highlighting the ongoing violence associated with the far-left extremist group that sought to advance its revolutionary agenda through acts of terror.

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Politics & Government

Kamal Jumblatt's Assassination in Lebanon

March 16th, 1977 47 years ago

Kamal Jumblatt, a prominent leader of the Lebanese left and anti-government forces during the civil war, was assassinated in 1977. His death occurred in the context of increasing tensions and violence in Lebanon, which had already been escalating due to political and sectarian conflicts. Jumblatt was a key figure representing the Druze community and had garnered support from various factions opposed to the ruling authorities. His assassination was carried out under mysterious circumstances and sparked significant unrest among his supporters, further complicating the ongoing civil conflict.

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