Historical Events tagged with "ethnic 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.

Politics & Government

Assassination of A. Thangathurai in Trincomalee

July 5th, 1997 27 years ago

Sri Lankan Tamil MP A. Thangathurai was shot and killed at Sri Shanmuga Hindu Ladies College in Trincomalee. The assassination occurred in a context of escalating violence in Sri Lanka, where political leaders were increasingly targeted amid the prolonged civil conflict. Thangathurai was known for representing the interests of the Tamils and was actively involved in the political discourse surrounding their rights and sovereignty within Sri Lanka.

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Military & Warfare

Conquest of Jaffna by Sri Lankan Forces

December 5th, 1995 29 years ago

In December 1995, the Sri Lankan government proclaimed success in capturing Jaffna, a significant Tamil stronghold in northern Sri Lanka. This military operation, known as Operation Riviresa, was part of a broader effort to regain control over areas heavily influenced by the Tamil Tigers. The acquisition of Jaffna was a strategic victory for the Sri Lankan military amidst ongoing tensions during the protracted civil conflict that spanned several decades.

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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.

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Military & Warfare

UN Military Advisor Recommends UNAMIR Stand Down

December 10th, 1994 30 years ago

Maurice Baril, serving as military advisor to the U.N. Secretary-General and head of the Military Division of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, recommended the withdrawal of UNAMIR forces from Rwanda. This recommendation came at a time of heightened tensions and violence within the country, with the United Nations facing criticism regarding its role and effectiveness during the ongoing conflict. The decision highlighted complexities in UN peacekeeping operations amid dire conditions on the ground.

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Politics & Government

Massacres of Tutsis Begin in Kigali

April 7th, 1994 30 years ago

In Kigali, Rwanda, mass killings of Tutsis commenced as soldiers executed civilian Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana. This marked the start of a prolonged period of violence characterized by overcrowded atrocities against the Tutsi population. The conflict stemmed from longstanding ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority, exacerbated by political disagreements and colonial legacies. The military and militia groups played active roles in the orchestrated violence and the systematic targeting of civilians.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Sri Lankan President Premadasa

May 1st, 1993 31 years ago

Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa was assassinated in Colombo by a suicide bomber affiliated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The attack occurred while he was participating in a May Day rally, demonstrating the ongoing conflict between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil separatists. Premadasa had been a controversial figure in Sri Lankan politics, having implemented various policies aimed at resolving the ethnic conflict. His assassination highlighted the intensity of the civil war in Sri Lanka, which had already been ongoing for several years.

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Politics & Government

Constitutional Court Declares Herzeg-Bosnia Illegal

September 14th, 1992 32 years ago

The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina ruled that the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia, which had unilaterally declared independence during the Bosnian War, was illegal. This ruling came amidst a challenging backdrop of ethnic conflict and territorial disputes following Bosnia's independence from Yugoslavia.

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Military & Warfare

Sri Lankan Army Massacre in Kokkadichcholai

June 12th, 1991 33 years ago

The Sri Lankan Army conducted a massacre in Kokkadichcholai, resulting in the deaths of 152 minority Tamil civilians. The village, located near Batticaloa in the Eastern Province, became the site of a violent raid that targeted non-combatants amidst the ongoing ethnic conflict. Survivors expressed horror at the brutal actions taken against the community, highlighting the dire situation for Tamils in the region.

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Politics & Government

South Ossetia Declares Independence from Georgia

September 20th, 1990 34 years ago

South Ossetia, a region within Georgia, made a historic move by declaring independence. This declaration followed growing tensions in the region, particularly as ethnic divisions became more pronounced. Located in the Caucasus mountain region, South Ossetia's self-proclaimed independence sparked significant political strife and unrest in Georgia, contributing to a series of conflicts in subsequent decades. The motivations behind the declaration were rooted in ethnic identity, desires for autonomy, and historical grievances against the Georgian central government.

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