Historical Events tagged with "colombia"

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.

Crime & Law

Avianca Flight 203 Explodes Over Colombia

November 27th, 1989 35 years ago

Avianca Flight 203, operated by a Boeing 727, exploded mid-air near Soacha, Colombia, killing all 107 passengers and crew onboard, as well as three individuals on the ground. The Medellín Cartel claimed responsibility for this deadly attack, marking a significant moment in Colombia's violent drug-related conflicts. The airline was en route from Bogotá to Cali when it was targeted in a premeditated bombing that highlighted the ongoing war between drug cartels and Colombian authorities.

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Crime & Law

Colombian Drug Barons Initiate Violent Campaign

August 24th, 1989 35 years ago

Colombian drug barons, led by Pablo Escobar, declared a 'total war' on the government, escalating violence throughout Colombia. This declaration followed increased government pressure on drug trafficking operations, prompting a fierce response from cartels. Escobar and his associates sought to undermine the state through assassinations and bombings, aiming to instill fear and secure their interests.

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Politics & Government

Luis Carlos Galán Assassinated Near Bogotá

August 18th, 1989 35 years ago

Luis Carlos Galán, a prominent Colombian presidential candidate, was assassinated in a violent attack while campaigning near Bogotá. Known for his anti-drug stance and reformist views, Galán was a leading figure in the Liberal Party, advocating for change in a country plagued by drug-related violence. His assassination was a brutal reminder of the dangers faced by politicians in Colombia at the time and highlighted the pervasive influence of drug cartels in political affairs.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Avianca Flight 410 crashes near Venezuela

March 17th, 1988 36 years ago

A Colombian Boeing 727 jetliner, Avianca Flight 410, experienced a catastrophic failure, resulting in the crash of the aircraft into a mountainside near the Venezuelan border. The accident claimed the lives of 143 individuals onboard. Preliminary investigations suggested pilot error possibly contributed to the critical situation that led to the crash. The tragedy raised questions about aviation safety protocols in Latin America, particularly concerning aging fleets and pilot training standards.

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Natural Disasters

Nevado del Ruiz Eruption and Armero Disaster

November 13th, 1985 39 years ago

The eruption of Nevado del Ruiz caused a catastrophic lahar that overwhelmed and buried the town of Armero, Colombia. This deadly event resulted from the melting of glaciers on the volcano's summit, unleashing a torrent of volcanic mudflows. Around 23,000 people lost their lives as the lahar swept through Armero, highlighting the risks posed by volcanic activity in populated areas. The disaster underscored the urgent need for better early warning systems and disaster preparedness in similar regions.

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Military & Warfare

Guerrillas Capture Bogotá's Palace of Justice

November 6th, 1985 39 years ago

Leftist guerrillas from the 19th of April Movement, known as M-19, launched an assault on the Palace of Justice in Bogotá, Colombia. The attack led to a violent takeover of the building, where key government officials were present. M-19 demanded a trial for President Belisario Betancur and sought to bring attention to their political goals. The siege lasted until military forces responded, resulting in a deadly confrontation.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Avianca Flight 011 Crashes Near Madrid Airport

November 27th, 1983 41 years ago

Avianca Flight 011, a Boeing 747, crashed near Madrid's Barajas Airport, resulting in the deaths of 181 individuals. The flight was operating from Bogotá, Colombia, to Madrid when it encountered difficulties during its final approach. Initial investigations pointed to a range of factors, including fog conditions and pilot error, contributing to the tragic incident. The crash marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Spain's history.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Tumaco Earthquake and Tsunami Hits

December 12th, 1979 45 years ago

An undersea earthquake of 8.2 Mw struck near Tumaco, Colombia, with its epicenter located in the Pacific Ocean. With a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), the earthquake resulted in significant destruction, killing an estimated 300 to 600 people. The seismic event also generated a large tsunami that impacted coastal regions in both Colombia and Ecuador, displacing numerous residents and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activities and the need for better preparedness.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Declaration of the Day of the Colombian Woman

November 14th, 1967 57 years ago

The Congress of Colombia officially declared this date as the Day of the Colombian Woman in honor of Policarpa Salavarrieta, a notable figure in Colombian history. This commemoration marked the 150th anniversary of her death, celebrating her contributions as a heroine of Colombian independence. The declaration aimed to promote recognition and empowerment of women in Colombia. Various activities and events were organized throughout the country to honor women's roles in society and history.

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