Historical Events tagged with "conflict"

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

Operation Praying Mantis Targets Iranian Naval Forces

April 18th, 1988 36 years ago

Operation Praying Mantis was a significant military operation conducted by the United States against Iranian naval assets. It unfolded in the Persian Gulf in response to ongoing tensions and attacks on oil tankers, including the U.S.-flagged ship, the MV Sea Isle City. Launched on 18 April 1988, the operation involved naval and air strikes aimed at Iranian installations and vessels, marking the largest naval engagement since World War II. The campaign demonstrated U.S. military capabilities, showcasing the importance of the Persian Gulf region in international trade.

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Military & Warfare

USS Samuel B. Roberts Strikes a Mine

April 14th, 1988 36 years ago

The USS Samuel B. Roberts, a guided missile frigate, struck a mine in the Persian Gulf during Operation Earnest Will, which aimed to protect neutral shipping in the area. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following Iran's aggressive actions against oil tankers. The mine explosion caused significant damage and resulted in injuries among the crew, prompting a rescue operation. The vessel remained afloat but required extensive repairs after the incident.

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Military & Warfare

EPLF's Victory in the Battle of Afabet

March 20th, 1988 36 years ago

The Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) successfully captured the strategic town of Afabet after defeating the Ethiopian government's Nadew Command. This victory marked a significant achievement in the long-standing Eritrean War of Independence, enhancing EPLF's position in the conflict. The battle showcased the determination of the Eritrean forces as they fought for their liberation against an entrenched Ethiopian military presence.

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Military & Warfare

EPLF Attacks Ethiopian Army at Afabet

March 17th, 1988 37 years ago

The Eritrean People's Liberation Front launched an assault on the Nadew Command, a corps of the Ethiopian army, from three flanks in a strategic military engagement at Afabet. This action marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing Eritrean War of Independence, showcasing the tactical capabilities of the EPLF against a numerically superior foe. As the troops faced coordinated attacks, the outcome would significantly affect military morale and operational plans for both sides.

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Military & Warfare

Saddam Hussein's Anfal Campaign Against Kurds

February 23rd, 1988 37 years ago

Saddam Hussein initiated the Anfal campaign targeting Kurds and Assyrians in northern Iraq, employing chemical weapons and mass executions. This operation aimed to suppress Kurdish uprisings and eradicate ethnic identity. Thousands were forcibly displaced, and towns were systematically destroyed in a campaign marked by extreme brutality. It represented the culmination of decades of tensions between Iraq’s central government and its Kurdish population, exacerbated by the ongoing Iran-Iraq War.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Israeli Tank Transporter Causes Fatal Accident

December 8th, 1987 37 years ago

A traffic incident at the Erez Crossing leads to the deaths of four Palestinian refugees and injuries to seven others. The incident involved an Israeli army tank transporter during a tense period marked by escalating violence and resentment in the region. The event drew immediate attention and highlighted the dangers faced by Palestinians at the border, contributing to rising tensions that would soon culminate in broader civil unrest.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre at Jaffna Hospital by Indian Forces

October 21st, 1987 37 years ago

Indian peacekeeping forces conducted an operation in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of 70 Tamil patients, doctors, and nurses. The incident allegedly occurred during a military operation aimed at curbing Tamil militant activity in the region. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic and tragic aftermath, as many victims were unarmed civilians receiving medical care. The brutality of the incident raised significant concerns about the conduct of peacekeeping forces and their impact on local populations amidst the ongoing conflict.

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Military & Warfare

SS Bridgeton Collides with IRGC Mines

July 24th, 1987 37 years ago

The US supertanker SS Bridgeton sustained damage after colliding with underwater mines attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Persian Gulf. This incident caused a notable 43-square-meter dent in the ship's hull. The attack occurred during a period of heightened tensions in the region, resulting from ongoing conflicts between Iran and Iraq, and was part of the broader context of the Iran-Iraq War. The US was involved in protecting maritime interests in the area, leading to increased military presence.

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Military & Warfare

SAS Ambush Kills IRA Members in Loughgall

May 8th, 1987 37 years ago

A significant ambush occurred in Loughgall, Northern Ireland, where members of the Special Air Service (SAS) engaged a group of Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteers. Eight IRA members were killed alongside a civilian during the encounter. The operation was part of ongoing conflict between British forces and the IRA, aiming to disrupt the IRA’s activities.

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