Historical Events tagged with "civil war"

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

Mário Lemos Pires Flees Dili Amidst UDT Coup

August 11th, 1975 49 years ago

Governor Mário Lemos Pires of Portuguese Timor fled Dili as a result of a coup by the Timorese Democratic Union (UDT) which escalated into a civil war between UDT and the revolutionary faction Fretilin. The upheaval marked a significant turning point in East Timor's struggle for independence and led to widespread violence and political instability in the region.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Alfred Duraiappah

July 27th, 1975 49 years ago

Alfred Duraiappah, the Mayor of Jaffna and former Member of Parliament, was shot dead in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The assassination occurred amid rising ethnic tensions and political instability in the region. Duraiappah was a prominent figure in the Tamil community and his death sent shockwaves through local and national political circles.

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Military & Warfare

Khmer Rouge Seizes Phnom Penh

April 17th, 1975 49 years ago

The Khmer Rouge executed a military campaign culminating in the capture of Phnom Penh, marking a decisive moment in the Cambodian Civil War. On this day, Cambodian government forces surrendered to the Khmer Rouge, who had been advancing on the city for months. Their victory resulted in the establishment of a communist regime in Cambodia, significant change for the nation and its people due to the mass upheaval and subsequent cultural transformation.

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Military & Warfare

Civilian Refugees Flee Quảng Ngãi Province

April 2nd, 1975 49 years ago

As North Vietnamese forces advanced in Quảng Ngãi Province, thousands of civilian refugees fled their homes in search of safety. The situation grew dire as the approaching troops prompted mass evacuations, highlighting the escalating conflict. Families, separated and vulnerable, sought refuge in safer areas amidst the chaos of war. The refugee crisis highlighted the desperation of civilians caught in the conflict.

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Politics & Government

Alvor Agreement Ends Angolan War of Independence

January 15th, 1975 50 years ago

The Alvor Agreement was a treaty signed by the liberation movements in Angola—MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA—and the Portuguese government to officially end hostilities and grant Angola independence from Portugal. Negotiated in Alvor, Portugal, the agreement laid the groundwork for a transitional government. However, it also led to power struggles that would later contribute to ongoing conflicts in Angola.

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Military & Warfare

Khmer Rouge Forces Capture Strategic Locations

December 1st, 1971 53 years ago

Khmer Rouge rebels launched intensified assaults against Cambodian government positions, resulting in significant territorial gains. The fighting escalated around Kompong Thmar and nearby Ba Ray, forcing government troops to retreat. This marked a critical moment in the Cambodian Civil War as the Khmer Rouge strengthened their grip on the countryside, showcasing their increasing military capabilities and strategic planning against a backdrop of political destabilization within Cambodia. The conflict's intensification illustrated the challenges faced by the government in asserting control over rural areas amidst a growing insurgency.

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Military & Warfare

Khmer Rouge Assault on Phnom Penh

November 10th, 1971 53 years ago

Khmer Rouge forces launched a significant assault on the city of Phnom Penh and its airport, resulting in 44 fatalities and at least 30 injuries. The attack caused damage to nine aircraft, heightening tensions during the Cambodian Civil War. The operation demonstrated the growing capabilities of the Khmer Rouge, who aimed to destabilize the Cambodian government, led by Lon Nol, amid ongoing conflict in the region.

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Politics & Government

Qaboos bin Said becomes Sultan of Oman

July 23rd, 1970 54 years ago

In a bold move, Qaboos bin Said al Said deposed his father, Sultan Said bin Taimur, in a coup that marked a turning point for Oman. Located in the Arabian Peninsula, Oman had been largely isolated and traditional under his father's rule. Qaboos seized power from the palace in Salalah, rallying support for sweeping reforms that aimed to modernize the country, improve civil rights, and end the long-standing civil war. This pivotal change set the stage for a new era in Oman characterized by advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre of Vietnamese Minority in Cambodia

April 15th, 1970 54 years ago

During the Cambodian Civil War, around 800 bodies of Vietnamese nationals were discovered floating down the Mekong River into South Vietnam. This grim event highlighted the violent sectarian strife occurring in Cambodia at the time and raised awareness of the targeted violence against the Vietnamese minority population. The bodies were believed to be victims of a brutal crackdown amidst the broader conflict that engulfed Cambodia during this turbulent period.

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