Historical Events tagged with "iraq"

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.

Religion & Philosophy

Pope Francis' Historic Visit to Iraq

March 5th, 2021 4 years ago

Pope Francis began a significant visit to Iraq, marking a milestone in interfaith dialogue and outreach to the country’s Christian minority. During this trip, he aimed to promote peace and unity, visiting sites that bear witness to the historical suffering of Iraqi Christians, exacerbated by conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit served to strengthen ties between Catholicism and Islam, particularly through a meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a prominent Shiite cleric. This trip came at a pivotal time when Iraq was faced with numerous challenges, including rebuilding efforts from decades of conflict, making the Pope's visit especially poignant.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Airstrike Kills Qasem Soleimani in Iraq

January 3rd, 2020 5 years ago

An American drone strike near Baghdad International Airport resulted in the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The operation, authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed to eliminate Soleimani due to his alleged involvement in orchestrating attacks against American forces in the region. This targeted elimination escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran, leading to global concerns about potential armed conflict.

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Military & Warfare

SDF Captures Baghuz, Defeating ISIS Stronghold

March 23rd, 2019 5 years ago

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the US, captured the town of Baghuz in Eastern Syria, marking a significant military victory over the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Following a prolonged campaign spanning four years, the fall of Baghuz represented a major turning point in the fight against ISIL. Although the territorial caliphate was dismantled, remnants of the group continued to exist in scattered cells throughout Syria and Iraq, posing ongoing security threats in the region.

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Military & Warfare

SDF Clears ISIL from Iraq-Syria Border Area

August 4th, 2018 6 years ago

The Syrian Democratic Forces achieved a major victory against ISIL, expelling the militant group from the Iraq-Syria border region. This action marked the conclusion of the second phase of the Deir ez-Zor campaign, which aimed to diminish ISIL’s presence in eastern Syria. Following intense fighting, SDF forces seized strategic positions, disrupting ISIL's routes and supply lines across the border. The operation contributed significantly to regional stability and the ongoing efforts to eradicate ISIL from vital territories.

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Military & Warfare

SDF Launches Operations Against ISIL in Deir ez-Zor

May 1st, 2018 6 years ago

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resumed their campaign in Deir ez-Zor to eliminate the remaining presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) near the Iraq-Syria border, aiming to solidify control in a strategically vital area. This operation involved coordinated efforts to target ISIL hideouts and disrupt their activities, marking a significant move in the fight against terrorism in the region. The SDF, backed by coalition airstrikes, focused its efforts on reclaiming territory and securing the border against any potential resurgence of ISIL.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating Kermanshah Earthquake Strikes Region

November 12th, 2017 7 years ago

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck the border region between Iran and Iraq, specifically affecting Kermanshah province. The quake reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII, resulting in significant destruction. Emergency reports confirmed that at least 410 individuals lost their lives and over 7,000 sustained injuries. The disaster prompted immediate rescue and relief efforts across the affected areas, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure in these earthquake-prone regions.

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Military & Warfare

Mosul Fully Liberated from ISIS Control

July 10th, 2017 7 years ago

The Iraqi government announced that Mosul had been fully liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, marking a significant victory in the battle against ISIS. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi made the announcement following months of intense fighting that began in October 2016. This victory in Mosul was crucial as the city had served as the de facto capital of ISIS's caliphate, influencing global terrorism and regional stability. The liberation operation involved a coordinated effort from Iraqi security forces, local militias, and support from international allies.

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Military & Warfare

ISIL Bombing Claims More than One Hundred Lives

May 11th, 2016 8 years ago

A deadly bombing in Baghdad resulted in over one hundred casualties, marking a significant escalation in violence attributed to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The attack occurred during a busy market day in the predominantly Shiite neighborhood of Karrada, where civilians were shopping and socializing. The bomber detonated a bomb-laden vehicle, which led to extensive destruction and numerous injuries. Local authorities reported the event as one of the deadliest attacks in recent times, highlighting the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Suicide Bombing at Shi'ite Funeral in Miqdadiyah

February 29th, 2016 9 years ago

A suicide bombing during a Shi'ite funeral in Miqdadiyah, Diyala, resulted in at least 40 fatalities and 58 injuries. The attack was carried out by an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant, targeting mourners gathered to pay respects. This horrific act highlighted the ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq, particularly against Shi'ite communities, as ISIL sought to incite fear and division. The bombing underscored the precarious security situation in the region during this period.

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