Historical Events tagged with "kidnapping"

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

Kidnapping and Murder of Miguel Ángel Blanco

July 10th, 1997 27 years ago

Miguel Ángel Blanco, a member of the Partido Popular, was kidnapped in Ermua by members of the Basque separatist group ETA. The abduction triggered widespread outrage and protests across Spain. Despite national and international appeals for his release, Blanco was murdered, leading to significant political and social repercussions in the country.

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Crime & Law

Kidnapping and Murder of Pai Hsiao-yen

April 14th, 1997 27 years ago

Pai Hsiao-yen, daughter of Taiwanese actress Pai Bing-bing, was kidnapped on her way to school in Taipei. The abduction drew significant media attention, capturing public outrage and prompting investigations into child safety. Unfortunately, her lifeless body was later discovered, leading to widespread mourning and demand for justice.

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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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Politics & Government

David Jacobsen Released After 17 Months of Captivity

November 2nd, 1986 38 years ago

After 17 months of being held hostage, American David Jacobsen was released in Beirut. Jacobsen, who was the administrator of a U.S. medical center in Lebanon, was taken hostage by a group linked to Hezbollah in the spring of 1985. His release was part of a series of hostage negotiations and was seen as a hopeful sign amidst the turmoil in Lebanon, where numerous foreigners were kidnapped during this period.

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Crime & Law

American Writer Edward Tracy Abducted in Lebanon

October 21st, 1986 38 years ago

In Lebanon, pro-Iran kidnappers held American writer Edward Tracy captive. Tracy was taken while he was working on a story in Beirut, a city that had become notorious for kidnappings during the Lebanese Civil War. His abduction was part of a broader pattern of targeting Westerners in the region. Following lengthy negotiations, he was released in August 1991, after nearly five years of captivity, highlighting the complex political dynamics at play between Iran, Lebanon, and Western nations.

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Politics & Government

Kidnapping of David S. Dodge in Beirut

July 19th, 1982 42 years ago

David S. Dodge, the president of the American University of Beirut, was kidnapped by Hezbollah militants during a period of escalating tensions in Lebanon. This incident occurred amidst the Lebanese Civil War and the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, which created a complex atmosphere of conflict involving various factions. Dodge was taken on July 19, 1982, in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, highlighting the perilous situation for foreigners in the region as militant groups sought to leverage power through high-profile abductions. His kidnapping drew international attention and concern for the safety of expatriates in politically unstable areas.

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Politics & Government

Kidnapping of Iranian Diplomats and Journalist

July 4th, 1982 42 years ago

Three Iranian diplomats and a journalist were kidnapped in Lebanon by Phalange forces during a violent period of the Lebanese Civil War. Their abduction highlights the intense regional conflict and the involvement of various political factions. The fate of the individuals remains unknown, raising concerns about diplomatic safety in a war-torn country. The incident underscores the complexities of international relations amid internal strife.

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Politics & Government

Abduction of General James L. Dozier

December 17th, 1981 43 years ago

James L. Dozier, an American brigadier general, was abducted by the Italian terrorist group Red Brigades in Verona, Italy. The incident took place while he was stationed in Northern Italy, serving with NATO forces. The Red Brigades were known for targeting U.S. military personnel in Italy, aiming to showcase their opposition to American presence in Europe. This particular abduction was executed as part of a larger campaign of violence and political extremism in Italy during the 1970s and early 1980s.

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Politics & Government

Kidnapping and Death of Adolph Dubs

February 14th, 1979 46 years ago

Adolph Dubs, the American ambassador to Afghanistan, was kidnapped by Setami Milli militants in Kabul. The situation escalated into a violent confrontation involving local police. During the ensuing gunfight, Dubs was tragically killed, marking a significant incident in U.S.-Afghanistan relations. The attack highlighted the growing instability in Afghanistan and setting the stage for future tensions.

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