Historical Events tagged with "middle_east"

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.

Military & Warfare

SDF Launches Insurgency Against Turkish Forces

March 25th, 2018 6 years ago

After the completion of the Afrin offensive, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) initiated an insurgency in the Afrin District in response to the Turkish military presence. The offensive, led by Turkey in early 2018, aimed to remove Kurdish forces from the region. Following the Turkish capture of Afrin, SDF combatants began organized attacks against Turkish troops and allied Syrian factions, marking the start of a new phase in an already complex conflict.

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Military & Warfare

Battle of Raqqa Commences Against ISIL Forces

June 6th, 2017 7 years ago

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) initiated a significant offensive aimed at liberating Raqqa from the grip of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Raqqa, having been declared the de facto capital of ISIL in 2014, became the focal point of the SDF's efforts to dismantle ISIL's territorial control. This assault marked a critical phase in the broader campaign against ISIL, as the capture of Raqqa was seen as essential to undermining the group's operational capabilities. The SDF, comprising Kurdish and Arab fighters, launched this offensive with backing from coalition airstrikes, anticipating that overcoming resistance in the city would deal a substantial blow to ISIL’s leadership and infrastructure.

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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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Politics & Government

Bethlehem Transitions to Palestinian Authority Control

December 21st, 1995 29 years ago

The city of Bethlehem transitioned from Israeli to Palestinian control as part of the Oslo Accords, aiming to enhance Palestinian self-governance in the West Bank. This change signified a crucial step in the peace process initiated through the negotiations between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. The event was marked by widespread celebrations among Palestinians, while also being met with mixed feelings among the Israeli population. This transfer represented the hopes and challenges of the ongoing quest for peace in the region.

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Politics & Government

Formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization

May 29th, 1964 60 years ago

In East Jerusalem, the Arab League convened to address the Palestinian question, resulting in the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The meeting sought to unify Palestinian political factions and establish a cohesive strategy for advocating the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Key leaders from various Arab nations participated, reflecting a collective commitment to Palestinian self-determination and resistance against foreign occupation.

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Politics & Government

Severing of Israeli-Soviet Diplomatic Ties

February 11th, 1953 72 years ago

Tensions between Israel and the Soviet Union escalated when the USSR severed its diplomatic relations with Israel. This was primarily driven by the increasing alignment of Israel with Western powers, particularly the United States, which was perceived unfavorably by the Soviet leadership. The decision was announced as part of a broader shift in Soviet foreign policy, influenced by regional alliances and geopolitical considerations.

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Politics & Government

Confirmation of the British Mandate for Palestine

July 24th, 1922 102 years ago

The Council of the League of Nations formally approved the draft of the British Mandate for Palestine. This critical development established British administration over the region following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The mandate granted Britain administrative control, setting frameworks for governance and territorial boundaries while addressing the aspirations of both Jewish and Arab communities. The confirmation reflected the geopolitical realignment post-World War I and sought to implement the Balfour Declaration, which supported a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

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Politics & Government

Bashir Shihab II Exiled by Ottoman Authority

October 11th, 1840 184 years ago

Bashir Shihab II, the notable Maronite leader of Lebanon, surrendered to the Ottoman Empire after a period of conflict and territorial disputes. He was then exiled to Malta, marking a significant turning point in Lebanese-Ottoman relations and altering the political landscape of the region. His leadership came to an end as the Ottoman authorities sought to reassert control over Lebanon's Mount Lebanon region, which had been under his influence for decades.

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