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.

Politics & Government

Truck-bomb Attack on UN Headquarters in Iraq

August 19th, 2003 21 years ago

A truck-bomb exploded outside the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, killing Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the UN's top envoy, and 21 others. This attack underscored the increasing violence faced by international organizations in Iraq. The bombing occurred during a tumultuous period following the US-led invasion of Iraq in March that year, leading to a significant destabilization of the region. The complexity of post-invasion Iraq contributed to a heightened target profile for the UN, highlighting the perils of international diplomacy in conflict zones.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Forces Eliminate Uday and Qusay Hussein

July 22nd, 2003 21 years ago

U.S. forces from the 101st Airborne Division, supported by Special Forces, conducted an operation in a compound in Iraq, resulting in the deaths of Uday Hussein and Qusay Hussein, sons of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The raid also claimed the lives of Mustapha Hussein, Qusay's 14-year-old son, and a bodyguard. This targeted operation was part of efforts to dismantle the Ba'athist regime and eliminate key figures linked to Saddam Hussein's leadership.

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Military & Warfare

Capture of Abu Abbas in Baghdad

April 14th, 2003 21 years ago

U.S. troops in Baghdad captured Abu Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian organization responsible for the hijacking of the MS Achille Lauro in 1985. This event took place during a period of intense military action in Iraq, as U.S. forces were engaged in the Iraq War, aiming to dismantle Saddam Hussein's regime. Abbas was linked to the killing of an American passenger, Leon Klinghoffer, during the hijacking incident, which had been a significant act of terrorism in the 1980s. His capture was seen as a notable achievement in the broader context of the U.S. military's campaign in the region.

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Military & Warfare

American Forces Capture Baghdad

April 9th, 2003 21 years ago

On April 9, 2003, American forces captured Baghdad, marking a pivotal moment in the Iraq War. After weeks of intense combat, the U.S.-led coalition succeeded in taking control of the capital, leading to the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime. This event was characterized by the dramatic images of U.S. troops entering the city and the public celebrations that followed. The fall of Baghdad was celebrated by many Iraqis, signaling a significant shift in power and governance in the region.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Troops Capture Baghdad; Regime Falls

April 7th, 2003 21 years ago

U.S. troops captured Baghdad amidst the Iraq War, leading to the fall of Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime just two days later. The capital, vital for the governance of Iraq, was taken following a rapid military campaign that began in March. Significant battles were fought, including intense urban combat, resulting in a swift defeat of Iraqi forces. This event marked a pivotal moment in the U.S.-led invasion, reshaping Iraq's political landscape and ending decades of dictatorship.

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Military & Warfare

American A-10s Misfire on British Tanks

March 28th, 2003 21 years ago

Two American A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft mistakenly attacked British armored vehicles during the Iraq invasion. This friendly fire incident occurred among combat operations, resulting in the death of one British soldier. The incident raised concerns regarding coordination and communication between allied forces in the heat of battle.

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Politics & Government

Arab League Demands End to Iraq Invasion

March 24th, 2003 21 years ago

The Arab League convened to vote on a resolution urging an immediate end to the invasion of Iraq by coalition forces. With a near-unanimous vote of 21 in favor and only one opposing, the resolution reflected regional solidarity against foreign military intervention. The meeting highlighted the tensions surrounding the U.S.-led invasion, which had begun just days earlier, on March 20, and underscored widespread opposition to perceived Western imperialism within the Arab world.

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Military & Warfare

Conflict at Nasiriyah During Iraq Invasion

March 23rd, 2003 21 years ago

The Battle of Nasiriyah was a significant military engagement during the early stages of the Iraq invasion. U.S. Marines clashed with Iraqi forces in the city of Nasiriyah as part of the broader campaign to secure key positions in Iraq. Starting on March 23, 2003, the conflict focused on controlling the main supply route and overcoming entrenched Iraqi defenses. The fierce fighting resulted in many casualties, including the loss of U.S. troops and civilian lives, and showcased the challenges faced by invading forces in urban warfare conditions.

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Military & Warfare

George W. Bush Declares Invasion of Iraq

March 19th, 2003 21 years ago

George W. Bush addressed the nation, outlining the rationale for the invasion of Iraq. Announcing the commencement of military operations, he emphasized the threat posed by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The President stated that the invasion was aimed at eliminating weapons of mass destruction and promoting democracy in Iraq, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. The address initiated a conflict that would lead to prolonged military engagement in the region.

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