Historical Events tagged with "bombing"

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

Nixon Orders Operation Linebacker II Bombings

December 18th, 1972 52 years ago

President Richard Nixon announced the start of Operation Linebacker II, a series of intensive bombing raids on North Vietnam, following the collapse of peace negotiations on December 13. This escalation was aimed at pressuring North Vietnam into a favorable peace agreement. The operation was controversial and marked a significant increase in U.S. military involvement near the end of the Vietnam War. The bombings, conducted during Christmas, targeted strategic sites in Hanoi and Haiphong.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

End of Operation Linebacker Bombing Campaign

October 23rd, 1972 52 years ago

Operation Linebacker was a significant U.S. bombing campaign against North Vietnam that began in April 1972 in response to the North's Easter Offensive. This event was crucial in the context of the Vietnam War as it aimed to destroy key target areas and disrupt supply lines. The campaign lasted five months and involved extensive bombing missions over North Vietnam, utilizing various aircraft. By October 22, the campaign had concluded, having been pivotal in bringing North Vietnam back to the negotiating table.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Bombing of Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z

June 15th, 1972 52 years ago

Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z was destroyed by a bomb over Pleiku, Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of 81 people. The aircraft was en route from Hong Kong to Singapore and was targeted while flying over South Vietnam. The incident highlighted ongoing threats to civil aviation amid the conflict in the region, contributing to increased concerns about air travel security.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

B-52 Bombing Resumes Over North Vietnam

April 10th, 1972 52 years ago

The United States resumed bombing raids by B-52 bombers over North Vietnam for the first time since November 1967, marking a significant escalation in military operations in the region. The bombings targeted key areas, targeting supply routes and communist strongholds. This renewed aerial assault was part of the broader strategy to exert pressure on North Vietnam during the ongoing conflict. The B-52s, known for their capability to deliver massive payloads, played a crucial role in the U.S. military's efforts throughout the war, exemplifying the intense air campaign aimed at weakening enemy forces.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Provisional IRA's first car bombing in Belfast

March 20th, 1972 52 years ago

In Belfast, a car bomb detonated by the Provisional IRA killed seven individuals and injured 148 others. The attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict in Northern Ireland, showcasing the group’s increasing use of violence. The bombing targeted a crowded area, emphasizing the risks faced by civilians amid the violence of The Troubles.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

JAT Flight 367 Bombing and Vesna Vulović's Survival

January 26th, 1972 53 years ago

JAT Flight 367, a DC-9, was destroyed by a terrorist bomb while flying over Czechoslovakia, resulting in the deaths of 27 out of the 28 people on board. Among the passengers and crew was flight attendant Vesna Vulović, who astonishingly survived the horrific explosion despite sustaining critical injuries. The incident marked one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism at the time, raising concerns about flight safety and security measures.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Bombing of Aeroflot Flight 773 Over Moscow

October 10th, 1971 53 years ago

Aeroflot Flight 773 was tragically destroyed by a bomb over Moscow Oblast, resulting in the loss of 25 lives. The aircraft, a Tupolev Tu-154, was on a domestic flight when it encountered the devastating explosion. Investigations that followed revealed that the bomb had been hidden in the aircraft, leading to widespread scrutiny of security measures in Soviet aviation. The incident underscored the vulnerabilities faced by airlines during a period marked by political tension and emerging threats to air travel safety.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Bombing at Plaza Miranda Rally Injures Candidates

August 21st, 1971 53 years ago

A bomb exploded during a Liberal Party rally in Plaza Miranda, injuring several anti-Marcos candidates. The rally was meant to galvanize support against the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as the explosion occurred, with immediate repercussions on the political landscape. This incident marked a critical point in Philippine politics as it highlighted the increasing tensions between the Marcos administration and opposition groups.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sterling Hall Bombing by Vietnam War Protesters

August 24th, 1970 54 years ago

On August 24, 1970, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists bombed Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The attack was a protest against the University’s involvement in military research and resulted in significant damage to the hall. The bombing was carried out by individuals identifying as part of the radical Left and was primarily motivated by opposition to the Vietnam War and the military-industrial complex. Although intended as a form of political expression, the bombing tragically resulted in one death and several injuries.

Continue Reading