Historical Events tagged with "hostage"

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

William Phillips Holds Hostage at NASA Center

April 20th, 2007 17 years ago

William Phillips, a former employee, barricaded himself in a section of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, wielding a handgun. During the four-hour standoff, he took a male hostage before ultimately shooting him and then himself. The incident raised alarms about workplace violence and security at federal facilities.

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Crime & Law

Beslan School Siege: Hostage Crisis in Russia

September 1st, 2004 20 years ago

Armed terrorists took more than 1,100 hostages, including schoolchildren and staff, in Beslan, North Ossetia. The siege began during the first day of school, creating a chaotic situation as parents gathered outside. Over three days, negotiations failed, leading to a tragic assault by Russian security forces that resulted in the deaths of over 385 individuals, both hostages and terrorists, marking one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Russia's history.

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Crime & Law

Hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814

December 24th, 1999 25 years ago

Indian Airlines Flight 814 was hijacked during its journey from Kathmandu to Delhi. The aircraft, carrying 190 passengers, was seized by five armed militants affiliated with a terrorist group. After several tense days, the plane was diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where negotiations took place. Tragically, one passenger was killed during the ordeal, while others were eventually released on December 31 following negotiations that resulted in the release of imprisoned militants.

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Military & Warfare

Kizlyar Hostage Crisis by Chechen Separatists

January 9th, 1996 29 years ago

Chechen separatists launched a raid on a helicopter airfield and a civilian hospital in Kizlyar, Dagestan. This attack escalated into a massive hostage crisis, involving thousands of civilians caught in the violence. The operation highlighted the reach of Chechen forces into Russian territory, showcasing the ongoing conflict between Russian federal forces and Chechen separatists seeking independence.

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Crime & Law

Air France Flight 8969 Hijacked in Algiers

December 24th, 1994 30 years ago

Air France Flight 8969 was hijacked at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, Algeria. Over a period of three days, the four armed terrorists took control of the aircraft, resulting in the tragic deaths of three passengers. The incident concluded with a violent standoff where all four hijackers were killed by security forces.

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Politics & Government

Terry A. Anderson Finally Freed from Captivity

December 4th, 1991 33 years ago

Terry A. Anderson was released after spending seven years as a hostage in Beirut, Lebanon. He was the last American captive in a series of kidnappings that targeted various Westerners during the Lebanese Civil War. His release was a significant moment for the families of other hostages and marked an end to a long and painful chapter for many involved. Anderson's freedom was negotiated by officials and was celebrated in the U.S. as a relief for those who had followed his story closely over the years.

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Politics & Government

Release of Anglican Envoys by Kidnappers

November 18th, 1991 33 years ago

Anglican Church envoys Terry Waite and Thomas Sutherland were released by Shiite Muslim kidnappers in Lebanon after being held captive for several years. Their release marked a significant moment in a series of abductions during the Lebanese Civil War, which involved various factions and aimed to leverage political power. The event highlighted the dangers faced by foreign nationals in the region, and the complexities surrounding negotiations for their freedom. Waite had been held captive since 1987, while Sutherland was abducted in 1989.

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Crime & Law

Hostage Crisis at Good Guys! Electronics Store

April 4th, 1991 33 years ago

In Sacramento, California, forty-one people were taken hostage inside a Good Guys! Electronics store by a group of armed individuals. The standoff escalated, resulting in the deaths of three hostages and three of the hostage-takers. The incident unfolded over several hours, capturing significant media attention as law enforcement attempted to negotiate with the armed individuals.

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Politics & Government

Jamaat al Muslimeen Coup Attempt in Trinidad

July 27th, 1990 34 years ago

A group led by Yasin Abu Bakr attempted to overthrow the Trinidad and Tobago government. Armed members of the Jamaat al Muslimeen stormed the Red House in Port of Spain, taking hostages, and declaring a coup. The unrest lasted six days and ended with their surrender to law enforcement, revealing deep political and social tensions in the country.

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