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.

Military & Warfare

Nagerkovil School Bombing by Sri Lanka Air Force

September 22nd, 1995 29 years ago

A bombing in Nagerkovil conducted by the Sri Lanka Air Force targeted a school, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 people, predominantly ethnic Tamil schoolchildren. The military operation aimed at counter-terrorism but ended in catastrophic civilian casualties, raising severe concerns about the tactics employed during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The tragedy highlighted the intense conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) amidst a struggle for Tamil autonomy.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Srebrenica Massacre Begins Amidst Yugoslav Wars

July 11th, 1995 29 years ago

The Srebrenica massacre marked a tragic episode during the Bosnian War as Bosnian Serb forces besieged the enclave of Srebrenica, a designated United Nations safe area. Between July 11 and July 22, thousands of Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed, while women and children were displaced. Despite being under UN protection, the town fell into chaos as the Serbian forces, led by Ratko Mladić, executed one of the worst atrocities in European history since World War II, driven by ethnic nationalist sentiments and a desire for territorial control.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Sri Lanka Air Force Bombs Navaly Church

July 9th, 1995 29 years ago

The Sri Lanka Air Force conducted a bombing raid on a church in Navaly, resulting in the deaths of 125 Tamil civilian refugees taking shelter there. The incident occurred during the ongoing Sri Lankan Civil War, a conflict primarily between the Sinhalese-dominated government and the Tamil Tigers. The bombing raised severe criticism from human rights organizations and intensified the discourse on military tactics and the civilian impact of the war.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Rwandan Patriotic Front Seizes Gisenyi Control

July 18th, 1994 30 years ago

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) took control of Gisenyi, a key city in northwestern Rwanda, marking a significant turning point in the Rwandan genocide. Following intense fighting, the RPF forced the interim government, comprising Hutu extremists, to flee into neighboring Zaire. This shift not only signaled the end of mass killings that had claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, but it also solidified the RPF's dominance in the region and paved the way for the establishment of a new government in Rwanda that would promote national reconciliation.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Rwanda Patriotic Front Captures Kigali

July 4th, 1994 30 years ago

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) captured Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, culminating in a rapid military campaign that ended the genocide within the city. This pivotal moment came amid chaos and violence that had erupted between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, leading to widespread atrocities. The RPF, composed largely of Tutsi refugees, advanced on the capital after months of conflict, driving genocidal forces away and establishing control. This event signified a major turning point in both the ongoing civil war and the humanitarian crisis spanning several months.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Yemen's Civil War Begins with Secession Attempt

May 21st, 1994 30 years ago

The Democratic Republic of Yemen attempted to secede from the Republic of Yemen, which led to armed conflict. Tensions had been escalating between the two regions, primarily over political and economic disparities. The government's efforts to maintain unity sparked a response from secessionist forces, culminating in open warfare. Major population centers became battlegrounds as both sides vied for control, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of civilians.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Civilian Casualties in Jaffna Lagoon Incident

February 1st, 1993 32 years ago

The Sri Lanka Navy allegedly killed between 35 to 100 civilians in the Jaffna Lagoon. The incident occurred amidst heavy conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The lagoon, crucial for local fishing communities, became a dangerous area due to military operations. Eyewitnesses reported that Navy personnel opened fire on fishing boats, causing significant loss of life and prompting national and international outrage.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

American Troops Deploy for Humanitarian Mission

December 9th, 1992 32 years ago

American troops landed in Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope, aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis brought on by civil war, famine, and widespread violence. The mission was initiated following a United Nations resolution to provide relief and stability to the region. Troops from the United States landed in Mogadishu, Somalia, to support ongoing UN efforts and deliver food and medical aid to the suffering population, which faced dire conditions due to years of conflict and collapse of the government.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Mozambique's Civil War Concludes with Peace Accords

October 4th, 1992 32 years ago

The Rome General Peace Accords were signed in Italy, marking a formal end to the civil war in Mozambique, which had lasted for 16 years. The agreement was reached between the government of FRELIMO and the rebel group RENAMO, facilitated by international mediators. This significant diplomatic achievement aimed at restoring stability and fostering national reconciliation in Mozambique after years of violent conflict. The peace process was viewed as crucial for the country's recovery and development.

Continue Reading